Buxton couple mark 60 years of marriage

Margaret and Bill Browne tied the knot 60 years ago today (Thursday) at St. Anne’s Church, on Terrace Road.

The teenage sweethearts, now aged 82, met when they were both 17 while roller-skating in the Pavilion Gardens. They got engaged at 19 just before Bill commenced his National Service, which saw him serve in South Korea.

Bill said: “We have similar interests and share a good sense of humour, and have always been prepared to give and take.”

Margaret said: “As with most families growing up in the 60s and 70s, money was a bit tight, but at the end of the day it’s family that counts.”

Their wedding reception was held at the Eagle Hotel, on the Market Place, and they took the train to London for their honeymoon.

Margaret said: “We saw the original Agatha Christie play The Mousetrap, and also watched the England versus Yugoslavia international football match at Wembley.”

Their first home was in a flat on Heath Grove, before moving to Sherwood Road where they have lived for more than 57 years.

Bill was a painter and decorator with Jack Brunt, then worked for Derbyshire County Council for 23 years as a decorator, before moving onto Ferodo Brake Linings where he worked until his retirement.

Margaret worked as an insurance clerk at the Co-op Insurance Society until she left to start a family, and was a dinner lady when their four children started school.

The duo also have five grandchildren.

To mark their marriage milestone, the couple held a party for family and friends at Buxton Conservative Club and will also enjoy a special lunch in Ashbourne.