Rochdale couple celebrate diamond wedding anniversary

A couple from Smithy Bridge are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary this week.

Anne and Arthur Brookes got married at Greenhill Methodist Church in Littleborough on March 24, 1962 and are still going strong 60 years later.

The pair’s wedding day was also featured in the Rochdale Observer. Arthur’s father was in hospital when the ceremony took place and the newlywed couple went to visit him at his bedside straight after taking their vows.

Arthur, 82, said he met Anne, 79, while they were both working for Littleborough manufacturer Fothergill and Harvey’s in the late 1950s.

He said: “Anne worked on the switchboard, and I worked in the warehouse.

“I think working together is so important for a long and healthy marriage, and we were not afraid to make big decisions together.

“A nice dollop of patience is also a very important quality, something which we both have had to have over the years.”

Arthur added that the pair had been ‘courting’ for four years before getting married, so have officially been together for 64 years and have lived at their family home on Wordsworth Crescent in Smithy Bridge for the past 40 years.

He also said their biggest shared passion is dogs and have had no fewer than nine throughout their 60 years together including Labradors, Spaniels, and their current Yorkshire Terrier, Scamp.

Arthur has been retired for 25 years after being a production director for Mayplas Ltd in Littleborough, while also working at other companies including Antler, and Michael Butlers.

Anne’s career as a cleaner, postmistress and home maker had been limited by ill health and had a brain tumour successfully removed a few years ago.

“Anne has never been one for hobbies as such but loves her TV and film,” said Arthur.

“I did enjoy several more practical hobbies including field sports like shooting and fishing and more recently as a computer video compositor which has allowed me to keep my mind active.

“For many years we enjoyed holidaying in the UK in our trailer tents and caravans, often going away most weekends to places like the Lake District. This was mainly as I was not keen on sailing and Anne wasn't keen on flying!”

Arthur added that the highlight of their marriage has been the birth of their only son Jason.

He said: “Apart from our wedding day, nothing stands out in our marriage more than the birth of our only son Jason, after being married for 14 years.  

“Other less happy memories also stand out. The passing of our parents and other close family members and of course our beloved pets.

“These were the times when we needed each other most.”