Haxby couple celebrated diamond wedding (From York Press)

Cyril and Jean Murfitt celebrate diamond wedding

8:23am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Nadia Jefferson-Brown, nadia.jefferson-brown@thepress.co.uk

A ROMANCE which started over afternoon tea has stood the test of time as the couple today toasted their diamond wedding.

Cyril Murfitt was stationed at Heslington Hall, York, in 1950 following a tour of duty with the RAF in Egypt when he asked an attractive young stranger, Jean Mason, where he could get a nice cuppa in the city. He then asked her to join him.

“And that was that,” says York-born Jean, now 80.

They married at St Clements Church, with a reception at St Clements Hall.

The Haxby couple, who went on to have three children, are now also the proud grandparents to three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

After ten years in the air force, after which he reached the rank of corporal Cyril, now 83, settled in York with his family and ended his working career as an architectural technician for Carter Jonas estate agents.

After raising their family, Jean did domestic work for the Bishop of Selby before doing home care for 22 years in York until retiring at 65.

They have enjoyed holidays abroad and regular days out together, as well as simply enjoying each other’s company.

Their secret? “Working and pulling together,” said Cyril.

They were celebrating with family today and at the weekend.