YEARS OF LOVE
New memories were made and old ones rekindled when couples from Cambuslang gathered to celebrate marking their golden wedding anniversaries this year.
John and Jean Gardiner and John and Evelyn Gallagher were among four local couples who enjoyed the atmosphere and shared happy memories at South Lanarkshire Council’s headquarters in Hamilton in a reception to mark their 50 years of marriage.
Couples from across the county met each other and shared stories of tying the knot in 1968.
The annual event is hosted alternately by the North and South Lanarkshire authorities and guests were welcomed on this occasion by South Lanarkshire’s Provost Ian McAllan, in the company of his northern counterpart, Provost Jean Jones.
Also at the celebration were identical twin sisters Allyson and Wendy (nee McInnes) who walked down the aisle together 50 years ago to marry their sweethearts John Kerr and Bert Reid in a joint wedding ceremony.
The two couples, who were featured in last week’s Rutherglen Reformer, celebrated their joint golden wedding anniversary with a Russian cruise.
Provost McAllan said: “There is no one formula for a happy marriage – every one is unique and there are different difficulties and joys that each couple faces along the way.
“What we saw at this event, however, is what is the same truth for all: that it is all about finding that one person who is for you and, with that perfect pairing, a bond is formed that is unshakeable. It was a delight to see that in so many couples and each one of them has my admiration and my congratulations.”
In the case of one couple, the venue’s reception was certainly familiar ground.
Among those celebrating 50 years of marriage this year were South Lanarkshire Council’s leader, Councillor John Ross and his wife, Irene.
Councillor Ross said: “It is always a lovely event, with such a great atmosphere, but it was so nice to experience it from the unofficial side, and to be able to enjoy it as a participant.
“Irene and I loved every minute of it and felt privileged to be among so many inspiring and interesting couples from all parts of Lanarkshire.”