It’s time to celebrate in Bainbridge as a dazzling couple mark their diamond wedding anniversary in the same year that their landlord, Housing 21, celebrates 60 years as a housing association.

John and Dorothy tied the knot on June 6, 1964, in Chapel-le-Dale in North Yorkshire. The pair had an intimate wedding with family and friends, and the reception was hosted locally at the Hill Inn.Dorothy remembers being 10 minutes late due to her neighbour blocking the road as she came to give her a wedding present. Dorothy said: “They were all panicking in the church that I wouldn’t make it in time.”

(Pictured: John and Dorothy on their wedding day in 1964)

Following the wedding, the couple enjoyed their honeymoon travelling in John’s small van from Windermere all the way to the top of Scotland, stopping at bed and breakfasts along the way.

After spending majority of their married life farming in Widdale, the pair moved to Housing 21’s Extra Care scheme, Sycamore Hall in 2022.

When asked what the secret is to a long-lasting marriage, they said: "You both pull together and share. It's just how you make it. If you fall out, you make up and that's it.

“And of course, we always have our jokes."

(Pictured: John and Dorothy at their son’s wedding)

The couple now have three sons, two daughters and five grandchildren. The family will get together to celebrate their anniversary on the day itself.

Celebrations were underway at Extra Care scheme, Dovecote Meadow in Sunderland as Pat and Charlie mark their diamond wedding anniversary in the same year that their landlord, Housing 21 celebrates 60 years as a housing association.

The couple met at a local dance hall not long before exchanging vows at St Thomas Church in Sunderland in 1964. They’ve moved around the North-East a few times before settling into their retirement at Housing 21’s scheme based in Sunderland.

(Pictured: Pat and Charlie with their anniversary card from the King)

The pair chose to move to the scheme as Pat’s sister already lived there and she wanted to be close to her family. Pat said: “I want to feel safe and secure when I’m at home. It has turned out to be the best move, we are very happy here.”

(Pictured: Pat and Charlie on their wedding day in 1964)

When asked what the secret is to a long-lasting marriage, Charlie said: “I don’t know, ask Pat as she’s the boss!”

Pat replied: “Have a lot of patience and live life together to the full”.

The couple celebrated their anniversary on 14 March 1964 with a party and are continuing celebrations throughout the year with residents at the scheme, family and friends.

This is the first of many celebrations linked to 1964, with Housing 21 having summer parties and events to celebrate its 60 years as a housing association.

A sparkling couple are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary at Howard Vyse Court in Clacton-on-Sea, coincidentally in the same year that their landlord, Housing 21, celebrates 60 years as a housing association. 

Brian and Mavis got engaged in November 1963 before tying the knot on May 16, 1964. The small ceremony was held at Tottenham Registry Office surrounded by their family and friends on a sunny, spring day. 

Mavis remembers the sea of lilac flowers outside the registry office in full bloom, she said: “It was a beautiful day for a lovely small wedding.”  

(Pictured: Brian and Mavis on their wedding day in 1964)

Sixty years later, the couple now enjoy spending time with their four children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They said: “We are very blessed; it’s been a wonderful 60 years together”.

(Pictured: Brain and Mavis in 2024)

The couple moved to the area in 2000 and have lived at Housing 21’s Retirement Living scheme since 2013 where they are enjoying their retirement together. They will be celebrating the anniversary with friends, family and other residents at the scheme to mark the incredible milestone.

Love is a sparkling reality at Diamond Court where Elaine and Richard are celebrating their very own diamond milestone, coinciding with Housing 21 celebrating 60 years as a housing association.  

In 1964, the pair embarked on their journey together. Aged just 17 and 19, Elaine and Richard, who were living in Weston-Super-Mare at the time, exchanged vows at a local church. 

(Pictured: Elaine and Richard on their wedding day in 1964) 

Whilst the couple were still enjoying life as newlyweds, they quickly found out they were expecting their first of what would later become four children. However, they did not stop there, as they went on to welcome numerous children into their heart and home over the years that followed. 

During their marriage, Elaine worked as a dedicated secretary whilst builder Richard put his skills to good use, building the family's long-term home. 

In 2017, the pair faced their biggest challenge yet when they found out that Richard was diagnosed with dementia. Elaine courageously cared for him until her own health battle with cancer in 2021 necessitated specialised care for Richard. 

The Extra Care scheme based in Weston-Super-Mare is home to Elaine, who has lived there since 2021, but still regularly visits her Husband in a local specialised care facility.  

Elaine reflects on six decades of happy memories with Richard by her side and said: “We will celebrate our 60 years of marriage in our own special way.”  

Elaine and Richard are planning to celebrate with friends and family to mark the incredible milestone later in the year. 

(Pictured: Elaine and Richard in 2021)