90 not out for Burnley-born former Aussie

A Burnley man celebrated his 90th birthday with a family meal and a cruise.
The happy couple: birthday-boy Jim Clement and his wife PeggyThe happy couple: birthday-boy Jim Clement and his wife Peggy
The happy couple: birthday-boy Jim Clement and his wife Peggy

Isaac James “Jim” Clement was born in Burnley in 1926, just weeks before Britain’s first racing track - Belle Vue Stadium - opened in Manchester, and went on to serve in the Royal Navy.

Jim married his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Clement - also from Burnley - in February 1947, but had little time to celebrate his newly-affirmed nuptuals as he was shipped out and took to the seas once more just two days after the marital ceremony.

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Ever the intrepid traveller, Jim emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, for four years with his young family, before returning to the north west in spite of the boat journey taking seven weeks.

Married for 69 years, the happy couple, who live on Ebor Street, have had three daughters - Maria, 68; Christine, 67; and Margaret, 65 - and celebrated Jim’s special day in style.

“We all got together and went out for a meal, which was lovely,” said Maria Gregory.

“They went on a cruise, that was the main thing.”