Whaley Bridge couple celebrate 60 years of married life

Peter and Heather Burgess regularly met in the late 1940s at dances in the Octagon, in Buxton, or through cycling club meet-ups; Heather was cycling with Whaley Bridge and Peter with Buxton.

Peter, now aged 83, remembers he popped the question to Heather in Manchester.

He said: “I had been to see her father and he was delighted for us and even offered me a job when I finished my apprenticeship as a dental technician.”

The pair married at St James’ Church in Whaley Bridge on June 2, 1956, and the reception was at the Hadfield Hall Hotel. Heather, now 81, said: “My dress was very similar to what girls wear now - it had long sleeves, a full skirt and train - it was lovely.”

The newlyweds received lots of wedding gifts including a water jug and an ironing board they both still use.

Peter said: “We have moved house three times in Whaley Bridge but the ironing board has always come with us.”

They honeymooned in Devon and Cornwall and Heather stayed working as a designer, reproducing printing patterns on dresses, until she had her first daughter Louise in 1969.

The family was complete when Sarah was born in 1963.

Now living on Shallcross Road, the grandparents say the secret to a happy marriage is togetherness. Heather said: “You haveto pull together and be a team.”

Peter added: “I wish everyone could be as happy as we are.”