DIAMOND couple Jim and Megan Devine have celebrated 60 years of happily married life – with a card of congratulations from the Queen.
Jim, 83, and Megan, 80, tied the knot at St Joseph’s Church, in Hartlepool’s Hutton Avenue, on February 14, 1953.
And after reaching six happy decades together, Jim revealed the secret of a long and successful marriage – trust.
“It’s all about trusting each other,” he said.
“We made our vows and we promised to love and cherish each other and that’s exactly what we’ve done.
“We’ve had our arguments, every couple does, but we’ve got over them.”
The happy couple met at the Queen’s Rink, in Hartlepool, where Megan attempted to teach Jim how to dance.
“I couldn’t dance at all, but she showed me after I had had a bit of Dutch courage,” laughed Jim, who worked for South Durham Steel and Iron Company for 30 years before spending 13 years working at Hartlepool Power Station.
On the day of Jim and Megan’s wedding, Hartlepool couple Tim and Sheila Dixon also tied the knot.
And the two couple’s have stayed in touch ever since with Tim and Sheila also celebrating their Diamond Wedding anniversary last week.
After walking down the aisle, Jim and Megan bought their first house together, in Albany Street, in the town, for the pricely sum of £750.
They later moved to Suggitt Street where they spent 30 years before moving to Nookston Close, in the town, where they live now.
As a diamond anniversary gift, the couple’s three children, Kevin, 58, Moira Walker, 56, and Christine Stamp, 49, contacted Buckingham Palace and Jim and Megan, who have 10 grandchildren and their first great-grandchild on the way, were delighted to receive a card from the Queen on the big day.
They also enjoyed a surprise party with all of their family and friends at Seaton Carew Cricket Club, in Elizabeth Way.
“It was a lovely surprise,” said Jim.
“We have always been a really tight-knit family and it was lovely to spend the time with all of our family and friends.”