Real Lives: Give and take keeps sparkle alive after 60 years of happy marriage

Published on Saturday 20 June 2009 11:25

A couple who worked as missionaries in Kenya have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary by renewing their vows.

Henry, 90, and Margaret McCombe, 85, who live in West Lothian, marked 60 years of marriage on 1 June.

They celebrated the day with a formal recommitment service at Stewart Court – the sheltered housing complex in West Calder, where they have lived since August 2002.

The couple were born just a few streets apart in Govan, Glasgow, but didn't actually meet until 1948 at Govanhill Badminton Club.

They married at Elderpark Parish Church in Govan a year later, and lived in Govan until 1956 when they moved to East Kilbride. They also spent some time in various parts of England and in Dalkeith.

The couple, who did not have any children, worked as missionaries for the Church of Scotland in Kenya for three years before moving to West Calder in 1972, where they have lived ever since.

When asked what the recipe for a long and happy marriage was, they both replied, "give and take".

Margaret added: "It's just being together and discussing everything together."

She said that the scorching weather on their diamond anniversary was in stark contrast to their wedding day when it "poured all day".

Margaret and Henry received a telegram from the Queen and were presented with flowers by Deputy Provost Jim Dickson, on behalf of West Lothian Council.

They even bought each other a new wedding ring to mark the occasion, and Henry also gave Margaret a white bible.

Margaret and Henry also celebrated their special day with a buffet and entertainment.

They are now looking forward to their second honeymoon in Morecambe.

Scheme manager at Stewart Court, Gwen Gilholm, said: "They're an absolutely delightful couple and literally walk about hand in hand. It's lovely to see. They are marvellous and whenever there is a concert on here, they're always up dancing!"

The couple enjoy singing and perform together as a duo, although Henry also sings on his own.

Margaret added: "We do a lot of things together."

They also like to dance and go to a dance class at West Calder community centre every Friday.