Real Lives: A bit of give and take keeps sparkle in diamond couple's relationship

Published on Wednesday 10 September 2008 10:15

David and Christina Young are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary, while former nurse Janette Brown will turn 105 on Friday.

David, 83, and Christina, 82, first met during the Second World War and became engaged on Christina's 21st birthday.

They were later married in her native Armadale and, as a result of wartime rationing, the couple were forced to give up clothing coupons to be able to afford eggs for a modest wedding cake.

David, who is originally from Leith, worked as a bookbinder while Christina acted as a carer for the Edinburgh School of Natural Therapeutics at Kingston Clinic, Gilmerton.

In 1955, the couple moved to the Southhouse area of the city, where they have remained for the past 53 years.

David moved on to work for Letts publishers, while Christina went to work at Littlewoods department store on Princes Street and then Southhouse post office.

The couple have two daughters, Hazel, who lives in Australia and has two daughters, and Heather, who lives locally with her two children.

The couple celebrated their anniversary with a family meal and a party at their home.

Christina said the secret of their happy marriage was "give and take and looking after each other".

JANETTE BROWN was born on September 12, 1903 in Dunnit, near Caithness, and still retains her distinctive Highland lilt.

Now living at Homeross House retirement home in the Grange, staff say she loves a "good blether".

Lord Provost George Grubb will be among those on the guest list for Friday's festivities as Mrs Brown is joined by friends to celebrate her special day.

She first moved to Edinburgh in 1928 after training as a nurse in Perth.

She began her career as a theatre sister in Bangour hospital and continued nursing until her marriage to George Brown in 1943.

Mr Brown, a station clerk originally from Ayrshire, did not approve of a working wife. Instead Janette stayed at home, putting her nursing skills to good use as she assisted friends and neighbours through any illness.

Enjoying early retirement, the Browns travelled extensively until George's heart condition meant the couple limited their travels to frequent trips to Jersey.

They lived their whole married life in Juniper Green, where Janette stayed after George's death until moving to Homeross House ten years ago.

Although no longer able to indulge in her passion for embroidery or gardening, Janette is still very active for her age.

Sarena McInnes, the home's house manager, said: "Janette is so bright and sprightly. We just love her."