Doncaster couple celebrate 65 years of marriage and both turning 85

For the pair of Church Road in Wadworth not only marked their 65th wedding anniversary on May 12, but also they both turned 85.

They met at school, having been brought up in Balby.

Maureen explains: “I already knew Don as we played as kids, it wasn’t until we were 14/15 that we decided we liked each other.”

Five years later they tied the knot on their 20th birthdays at St James Church, and honeymooned in Scarborough.

Donald worked as a builder, and Maureen trained as a hairdresser, later going to work at Goldsmith’s Jewellers in the Frenchgate.

They have two sons and one daughter, aged 61, 59 and 56, three grandsons, one granddaughter, and three great grandsons.

Since retiring they have thrown themselves into community life, Donald being the caretaker of the village hall, and Maureen the treasurer, organising quizzes and fashion shows and describe themselves as a “big part of village life”.

The couple have coped in lockdown: “We’ve been okay. We got a bit fed up and we missed everything and everybody.”

And despite not being able to celebrate their special day properly they had a steady stream of family members who dropped by.

Maureen added. “We got two birthday cakes and enjoyed being at home.”

The whole family is set to mark the occasion next week when they finally get to have a meal out together at Jamps Chinese restaurant in Tickhill.

Maureen concluded thatd there was no real secret to a long and happy married life, but: “You’ve got to have a sense of humour.”

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