Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Couple celebrate their diamond day Childhood sweethearts mark sparkling occasion
Celtic fan Jim Brown was cock-a-hoop when he met the love of his life Ella on the touchline more than six decades ago.
And now the Townhead diamond duo are the toast of the town as they prepare to celebrate 60 years of wedded bliss today.
Childhood sweethearts Jim, 81, and Ella, 79, were introduced by her brother Peter after a football match – and their romance kick-started from there.
The lovebirds tied the knot in St Philomena’s Church in Provenhill, Glasgow, on October 31, 1958, in a ceremony which was officiated by Father George Aylward, followed by a reception at home.
That year Tommy Edwards was storming the charts with his hit It’s All in the Game and Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor smouldered in the big screen version of Tennessee Williams’ play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Jim, originally from the Gorbals, worked as a carpet cropper before becoming a foreman at Coatbridge’s Castle Cement Works. The couple moved to the town in 1970 and Jim remained at the cement works until his retirement .
Ella, from Blackhill, began her career as a book- binder before taking time out to have her family,
The happy couple tied the knot on October 31, 1958 and latterly worked as a car valeter until she retired.
The devoted couple have four sons ( James, Charles, Gerard and Martin), seven grandchildren (Charles, Angela, Paul, Kelly Anne, Sean, Sinead and Ryan) and nine great-grandchildren (Hayley, Carly, Peyton, Erin, Caleb, Sophie, Holly, Rosie and Nathan).
The twinkle-toed twosome have been passionate about dancing since their teens and glided round the Barrowland Ballroom and Dennistoun Palais in Glasgow.
Jim now enjoys watching Celtic as well as playing snooker and completing crosswords.
Ella never misses her favourite show, Strictly Come Dancing, and in her heyday was herself a keen jiver.
She is also a country and western music fan and astounds her family with her extensive knowledge of bands and artists as well as being a great cook, with her macaroni and cheese “adored” by all.
Jim and Ella are the “heart of the family” and have many happy memories of family holidays to Port Seton, Saltcoats and Butlins in Ayr; and together they travelled to Europe for sunshine and relaxation.
The couple have been avid Advertiser readers for over 50 years and never miss an edition, having won a host of competitions over the years.
They said the secret to their blissful marriage is “being there and supporting each other through the good and the bad” and a “strong family bond”.
Daughter- in- law Carole said: “Mum and dad are the heart of our family and loved by all.
“All age groups can pop round for a cuppa, a chat and a laugh any time. The younger ones adore Granny Ella’s macaroni and cheese and chips.”
Jim and Ella marked their landmark anniversary at their Townhead home with a sparkling event surrounded by their family and friends.