Pendle Hill Walk led to 60 years of marriage

Mr and Mrs Cyril and Elsie Black, of Claughton Street, will be joined this weekend by family and friends as they mark the 60-year milestone with a party.

The couple met in 1951 on the trip organised by the former Emmanuel Church, in Bright Street, of which they were both members. They were married at the same church on October 10th two years later. A reception in the church hall followed.

“It was lovely weather,” said Mrs Black (77), a former deputy manager at Dorothy Perkins.

“It was totally different from how weddings are today. We were back home by tea time and that was it. We didn’t have a honeymoon.”

The couple are founder members of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society and have sung in countless productions for more than 30 years.

They have lived at their current home since they got married and have three children, Deirdre, Stephanie and Gavin, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Deirdre said the children in the family helped to keep her parents young.

“We couldn’t ask for two better parents and grandparents for everything they’ve done for us,” she added.

Mr Black (81) spent all his working life at Wilkins Joiners before ill-health forced him to retire.

The couple used to enjoy foreign holidays and can regularly be seen in the congregation at Briercliffe Road Church.

Mrs Black said: “We have our rows like everybody else but 10 minutes later it is all forgotten. We just carry on together and see everything through together.

“We are looking forward to seeing all our friends and family at the party.”