A HARDGATE couple have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary alongside their bridesmaids from their marriage ceremony 60 years ago.
Helen and John Atkin were joined by their beloved friends Terry O’Neill and Margaret Clark during a celebration at their home on Cochno Road last Thursday (March 31).
The couple grew up in Yoker, even attending the same primary school, but did not meet until they were in their late teens.
Helen was a shorthand typist at Clyde Blowers, living in Faifley, and John was a sheet metal worker at John Browns Shipyard, staying in Linnvale, when they met at a dance hall in Glasgow.
The couple began dating and later married at Duntocher Trinity Church.
After getting married Helen and John moved to Old Kilpatrick where they welcomed two children, Alan and Heather.
Alan has since sadly passed away but is survived by his children Julie and John.
The couple began working together, running a glazing business for a number of years.
In their leisure time, the family enjoyed road trips across Europe including visiting destinations such as France and Italy.
Helen told the Post that she and John have always loved travelling, something they continue to enjoy in their retirement having recently returned from a six-week trip to Tenerife to celebrate her 80th birthday.
The couple spent their honeymoon in Bray, Southern Ireland, and have visited numerous countries over the years with Helen saying the list is “as long as her arm”.
To celebrate their special anniversary the couple once again set off, this time to London for a few days to see a show and sample some of the city’s restaurants.
John and Heather organised the celebrations last week including a card from the Queen and getting the family together.
Helen said she “didn’t have a clue” and was overwhelmed by the surprise.
She said: “Oh my goodness it was amazing, I was overwhelmed.
“John knew about it, he and Heather organised it. It was just myself that got the big shock.
“Normally I’d have been up at six in the morning trying to get everything organised so it was really nice.”
The couple were joined by their grandchildren, Julie, John, Rebecca, and Lewis as well as their great-grandchildren Luke and Skye.
They also received a visit from Deputy Lord Provost Karen Conaghan and Deputy Lieutenant Mike Edwards to mark this incredible milestone.
Everyone at the Post wishes Helen and John a very happy diamond anniversary.
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