Love still sparkles for John and Moira
Togetherness is secret of happy marriage, say couple
A gem of a couple are looking forward to celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary the way they’ve lived their lives – together.
Lifelong Buddies John and Moira Whitehill, both 81, married in 1958 at the St Columba Church of Scotland.
They had met two years earlier outside the town hall at the dancing in 1956, and “that was that.”
The couple raised two children, Laura and Paul.
Paul said: “Dad then went to sea with the Merchant Navy for a year.
After they married in 1958, they honeymooned in Morecambe where we all returned last year to visit.
“Their first home was a tenement flat in Mill Street, before moving to various new-build family homes in the west of the town, in Meikleriggs, Balgonie and Castlehead as family appeared, grew up and left. They now live in Kilpatrick Avenue.”
John and Moira grew up in the East End, both attending Williamsburgh Primary, and Moira went on to Camphill Senior Secondary.
She worked in Bells, Wool Growers and finished her career as a UK cashier at Coats before retiring early in 1990.
John worked as a journeyman then went into management at Eadie Brothers, in Violet Street, then as a roads inspector for Strathclyde Regional Council for 20- odd years until he retired in 2000.
Paul added: “They are both very family-focused people who enjoy walking.
“Dad was active in Meikleriggs Bowling Club and is a member of Ferguslie Cricket Club. They both still enjoy going to games.
“Dad also worked as an occasional ‘extra’ in a few films locally shot and in Taggart episodes.”
John and Moira’s family has grown to include three grandchildren – Lesley 27, Lewis 25 and Olivia, who is 23.
The couple are celebrating their milestone anniversary on Thursday with Deputy Lieutenant Rev Alan Birss presenting a message from the Queen to them.
And their secret to a long and happy marriage? The couple simply told us: “Do things together.”