WTTM
Margaret and Gordon Smith, of Brimington, now 83, were married at the Chesterfield Registry Office on September 30, 1961.
The couple met in their early twenties when Margaret, originally from Scotland, found a job in the butcher’s department at the West Bars Co-op store and Gordon worked at the shoemaker across the street.
As a young couple, they loved to dance, a hobby they continue to this day and which has earned them the nicknames “Fred and Ginger” after iconic dance partners of the Golden Age. ‘Hollywood, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.
Despite having a rough start as a couple after losing their first child, a son, Margaret and Gordon went on to welcome two daughters, Janet and Lindsay, and have stayed together through their ups and downs.
Lindsay said: “My dad loved my mom from the start, but my mom was so shy it was amazing because she had a pretty tough life.
“She was an abandoned baby and the people who raised her were strict, so she had led a protected life, but my father had come from Stonegravels and he had lived his life to the fullest.”
Lindsay noted that her father had helped bring out a confident side in her mother, adding, “He loved her and cared for her all of his life, and he still does now.
“They just loved each other. My mom needed my dad and my dad needed my mom, they met at the right time and it was supposed to be.”
In addition to dancing, Margaret and Gordon enjoy spending time with their two daughters, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Lindsay said, “They are so family oriented. When we were younger it was always about me and my sister and when we started working they always took care of our children for us and made sure the grandchildren were safe and raised as we have been.
“I just want to say a big thank you for everything they’ve done.”
Margaret and Gordon celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last Thursday with a party surrounded by family and friends.
They also plan to visit Lytham St Annes, where they spent their honeymoon as newlyweds.