Diamond Mr and Mrs share secret to success

John, 82, and Myra, 83. Aldersley, of The Drive, Hipperholme, celebrated their anniversary on July 17.

John and Myra met at 19 and 20, through their place of work at Brighouse engineering company, J Blakeborough and Sons, where John worked in the foundry and Myra in the laboratory.

They married at Hipperholme Methodist Church and had a reception at the church’s Sunday school, back in 1954.

The couple, who then resided at their first home in Rastrick, had their first child, Jane Caroline, in 1959, and when she was aged two the couple emigrated to Benoni, South Africa; following Mr Aldersley’s promotion with his Brighouse employer.

The couple lived in South Africa for 17 years and during that time, Myra gave birth to their second daughter, Frances Helen, in 1969.

Mr and Mrs Aldersley recall this time as some of their happiest memories.

The Aldersley family also relocated to Australia, near Sydney, for two years before returning to Calderdale.

In later years, they’ve enjoyed visiting natural beauty spots and spending time with their daughters and three granddaughters Lisa Kate, Sarah Jane and Molly Louise.

Mr and Mrs Aldersley said the secret to a good marriage is about giving to one another and now John cooks for Myra, who does the washing-up.