Whalley couple celebrate 'bell-ting' Golden Wedding Anniversary in style despite lockdown

To celebrate their fantastic fifty years together, the devoted couple had previously organised a meal at a local restaurant with family and friends - many of whom attended their wedding. However, they had to put the plans on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic and instead enjoyed a video call from all their loved ones and received lots of cards and flowers.

The couple met in the belfry of Clitheroe Parish Church where they subsequently married on July 4th, 1970. Bell ringing has played a major role in their married life ever since.

They continue to ring at Whalley Parish Church were John has been the tower captain since he moved to the village to start their married life. They enjoy "grabbing" towers across the county and are very involved in the local branch of the Lancashire Association of Church Bellringers.

Throughout their marriage, John and Shirley have also served diligently at Whalley Parish Church. Shirley has volunteered as a pastoral assistant and treasurer and also worked as parish secretary for many years. John is a church warden.

John and Shirley also enjoy travelling and have had many adventures over the years including a post-retirement round-the-world holiday, visiting their daughter, Fiona, in Singapore when she was working abroad, visiting family in New Zealand and friends in Australia, China and Europe.

They also continue to enjoy more local travel to spend time with their son, Paul, daughter-in-law Rachael and three grandchildren Abigail, Oliver and Isabelle. Their daughter, Fiona, sent her love over the internet congratulating them on their amazing achievement.