Margaret and Thomas Hunter celebrate diamond wedding anniversary (From York Press)
Get in touch: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting YORK to 80360 or send an email»
Margaret and Thomas Hunter celebrate diamond wedding anniversary
9:42am Tuesday 22nd May 2012 in News
Thomas and Margaret Hunter, who renewed their vows at Skelton church after 60 years of marriage, with daughters, from left, Jayne, Debbie, Michelle, Bev, Carol and Lynn
A PAIR of bowling fans have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a blessing surrounded by their family.
Margaret and Thomas Hunter, of Ratcliffe Court, Skelton, met on a night out at the Acomb Hotel in 1952, while Margaret was out with her parents, and Thomas, who worked at Rowntrees, was playing darts.
Thomas, now 89, proposed to Margaret, now 79, on her birthday, and the couple were married at Clifton Church on May 17, 1952. To celebrate 60 years of marriage, the couple were blessed and renewed their vows at Skelton Church, watched by their six daughters, 14 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
Johanna Shipley, 24, is one of the couples’ granddaughters, and said the blessing was a wonderful family event: “It was very emotional, we all had tissues at the ready. It was beautiful.
“I know nan asked for a party to begin with, to celebrate their anniversary, but one of their daughters suggested it turn into a blessing and renewal of their vows.
“It was really beautiful, and a nice reception afterwards.”
As for the secret of a long and happy marriage, Margaret, who worked as caretaker and cleaner at schools and colleges around York, said the secret was “just to take every day as it comes”.
