Whalley couple celebrate 60th wedding anniversary

Their love has not decreased and the couple, Tom and Elizabeth Hillman, have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a family party.

Elizabeth, from Accrington, was a school teacher at several schools before her last appointment, at a large comprehensive in Feniscowles. She taught business studies to 15 and 16-year-olds, and also taught night classes at local colleges.

Tom, from Oswaldtwistle, owned a building contractors business, and worked on many large developments, including schools for Lancashire County Council.

They were "courting" for 15 months before getting engaged, and after nearly a year the chance of buying a house came along, so they decided to get married and arranged the ceremony for December 23rd, 1950, in St Mary's Church, Oswaldwistle.

They spent the next 40 years living in the town before moving to Woodlands Park, Whalley, where they have spent the past 20 years.

During their married life they have travelled extensively, visiting faraway places including Canada, Russia and Egypt, as well as European countries. They, especially like the South of France.

They also enjoy the countryside in and around the Ribble Valley and have enjoyed walking and exploring the area. They also like going to the theatre and often went to shows and concerts at Burnley Mechanics and they have fond memories of Clitheroe's Grand Cinema.

In the summer Elizabeth enjoys gardening while Tom enjoys watching cricket and in the past they have visited many grounds in Lancashire and Yorkshire, including Whalley, watching the game.

Despite the icy weather on the day they married, the couple have spent some wonderful times together and are proud of their close-knit family.

They have a son, Ian, a daughter, Tricia, four grandchildren, Luke, Anna, Julia and Elliot, and two great-grandchildren, Megan and Alecia, and they are delighted to spend lots of time with them all.

When pressed the couple said the secret of a happy marriage was consideration for each other and generosity and this has certainly paid dividends for a long and happy marriage.