Diamond couple met nearly 80 years ago
Loving Rutherglen couple John and Jean Armstrong, who last week celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary, could never be accused of ‘rushing into things.’
John and Jean met as primary school pupils and members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades in Newton in the early 1940s - nearly 80 years ago.
But it wasn’t until their paths crossed again nearly two decades later that they fell in love and tied the knot.
Now, they have marked 60 years together in a sparkling celebration, surrounded by family and friends.
After leaving school, a young John undertook his national service from 1953 to 1955 and embarked on a career with Redpath Dorman Long in Westburn, where he remained for 35 years before moving to UIE as a crane driver.
John finished his working life with Munn Funeral Directors before beginning a well-earned retirement in 2010.
Meanwhile, Jean worked with Curry’s Bakery and McFarlane Lang Biscuit Factory, before leaving the world of paid employment in 1957, shorlty before the couple’s wedding at Newton Parish Church on December 27, 1958.
They have three children, Jacqueline, Ian and Janean, five grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
South Lanarkshire Provost Ian McAllan visited the couple at their Rutherglen home on Monday to present them with gifts and congratulate them on their long life together.
He said: “It is remarkable to think that John and Jean first met each other nearly 80 years ago as war raged across Europe and the world.
“Together, they have lived through and witnessed a remarkable period in world history and I am delighted to have been able to be a part of their own personal history by celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.”
Deputy Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Mary Hernon joined the Provost at the Armstrongs’ home for the celebrations.