Couples celebrate Diamond wedding landmark
TWO diamond couples are due to celebrate 60 happy years of marriage on exactly the same day.
Jean and Brian Rowan, from Haslingden, and Barbara and Geoff Hallam, of Helmshore, wed on February 27, 1960.
Barbara and Geoff, of East Street, have daughters Jane Jones and Deborah Learmonth and son Nigel Hallam, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
After meeting at teacher training college in Alsager, they both worked at the Bentgate Special School, which became Tor View, on Clod Lane, Haslingden.
Jane said they have both always been sympathetic to young people, especially children with special needs.
“In those days it was basically ‘chalk and talk’, but my dad realised that certain children could do with being taught separately in a small group,” she said.
“They still get contacted with cards and messages from the people they taught at Bentgate. One of them rings up my mum to see how she is. I think they were very well thought of.”
Both from a strong Methodist background, they now go to St Thomas’ Musbury Church, and remain very active.
Jane added: “They adore their family, they are great fun and they are quite different. They complement each other quite well, but their values and outlook on life were always the same.” Geoff, who went on to become a headteacher in Whitefield, was a Liberal Haslingden town councillor from 1970 until 1974, while Barbara, 82, was involved with the local Soroptimists, including as President.
Born Barbara Nuttall, her parents ran a fish and chip shop on Manchester Road for some 30 years, and her grandfather was a Methodist preacher. Barbara and Geoff, 83, both joined Haslingden Amateur Operatic Society, with Geoff taking some lead parts in productions.
They are looking forward to a celebration weekend at the Higher Trapp Hotel, starring the Hindle Wakes folk group.
Jean and Brian Rowan, of Wells Street, raised three children, Darren, Denise and Stephen, and have two grandchildren Blake and Archie.
The pair, who have lived in Haslingden all their lives, are well known in the town, as Jean worked in Greggs, and Brian at engineering firm Machine Fabrications for a long time, before retiring at 65.
They enjoyed a rock ‘n roll party at the Irish Democratic League Club last Friday where they partied with family and friends.
The childhood sweethearts first met when they were just 15.
Jean said: “And then we started going dancing to rock’n roll, that was the rage at the time. We still do like a bit of rock’n roll!”
Jean said the secret to a long and happy marriage is ‘a bit of give and take on both sides, if we fall out we soon get over it! That’s the thing about getting older, you forget what you fell out about!’ Share and share alike,” added Brian.
The couple, who are both aged 81, exchanged love letters whilst Brian served his National Service in Malaya and Hong Kong in 1957. After Brian’s return they were married at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Haslingden.
They love travelling and have visited countries such as New Zealand, Brazil, Spain, Greece and Portugal, and also enjoy trips closer to home to visit son Darren in Surrey.
Daughter Denise Keyland, who lives in Bolton, said: “They’re not as sprightly as they once were, but they love to get up and have a dance!”
Their children were due to surprise them with an allinclusive overnight stay at the Old Mill Hotel in Ramsbottom.