PENNINES:

A very happy anniversary to town’s diamond couple

A DEVOTED couple are celebrating a special milestone this weekend.

Malcolm and Barbara Lewis, of Littleborough, are marking 60 years of marriage with family members and friends.

Malcolm, who was born in 1932, was evacuated to the Rochdale area from his childhood home in London during the Second World War, while Barbara was born at Birch Hill Hospital in 1931 and brought up in Dearnley.

The pair found love after meeting at Whittles Bakery in Littleborough, where Malcolm worked as a van salesman and Barbara was employed as an office clerk.

Their first date was a coach trip to Scotch Corner, organised by Whittles Social Club and they never looked back, tying the knot on December 8, 1956, at Dearnley Methodist Church and honeymooning at London’s Strand Palace Hotel.

They had two daughters - Ann and Sara - and four grandsons - Richard, Daniel, Thomas and James, while last March saw the arrival of their first great-granddaughter, Emily Theresa.

Malcolm, now 84, has been a keen darts player, crown green bowler and golfer and follows the fortunes of his favourite football team Arsenal.

In her early years Barbara, who is now 85, was a brownie leader then later a member of the choir at Dearnley Methodist Church where she still attends. Barbara now loves reading and doing crossword puzzles and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Daughter Ann said: “All their family and friends send them love and best wishes and hope they have a memorable day and many more happy years together.”