Platinum wedding anniversary joy for devoted Clitheroe couple who won't let lockdown spoil their big day

Their memorable day has to be spent quietly due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, but the magnificent milestone of 70 years of married life will be remembered by their family and many friends.

The popular Clitheroe couple were both born in Newton and went to the village school until they were 14. They were dating in September 1950 when Bob (94), was offered a job as a farm man. The post required a married man and luckily for him, his rather unromantic proposal of “How about it?” was accepted by Gladys (89)!

They were married at St Andrew’s Church, Slaidburn, with Gladys’ satin dress made in double-quick time by Bob’s seamstress sister, Alice. Their first home was at Smithies Bridge, Sawley. Later, they moved to Weeton, near Blackpool, but they missed the Hodder Valley and returned in 1960 when Bob secured the tenancy of Hammerton Hall, Slaidburn.

It was here that he farmed for the next 30 years and Gladys ran a successful bed-and-breakfast business, alongside raising their four children, Frank, Peter, Graham and Ruth.

After retirement in 1990, they moved to Clitheroe and Bob worked on a local farm and also at Clitheroe Auction Mart. He was still working at the auction in March when lockdown struck and misses being able to go.

Gladys spent many hours in her garden and was also a renowned baker. Her ginger biscuits, known as parkins, were legendary. Sadly, two years ago Gladys suffered a stroke and now

relies on Bob and her family for many of her needs.

The greatest pleasure for the couple has always been spending time with their many friends and family, who all live locally. They have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Although celebrations for the anniversary have had to be curtailed, Bob and Gladys’ special day will be very much in the thoughts of all their family and friends.