Golden couple mark half a century of happiness

Few would have imagined that when Frank Allan and Marion Goudie were asked by their friends, George and Dot Young, to be best man and best maid at their wedding in 1958, that this would kick-start a romance that would span five decades.

Born in Richmond, Surrey to Erik and Christine, Marion arrived 20 minutes before her identical twin Ann and they have been practically inseparable ever since.

Frank was an only child to devoted parents Jessie and Larry and spent many happy years in Stenhouse, where he attended school and played for the local football teams.

A few months after meeting, Frank was called up to serve two years' national service at Glencorse Barracks in Penicuik. This did not stop them courting and making plans for their future together and they were married on January 7, 1961 in Wester Drylaw Parish Church. Frank returned to the confectionery and baking trade where he would continue to work until Mackies/Crawford's went into liquidation. Marion worked as a shop assistant in Blackhall Grocers. After a career break to have her family, she joined the Royal Bank of Scotland until retiring ten years ago.

They began married life in Corstorphine, where daughters Carol, Gill and son Raymond were born. They move to Hyvots and youngest son Jeff was born in 1970. They stayed there until moving to Gilmerton where they now live.

Summers were spent travelling the around the UK in their beloved white VW. These holidays were spent in the company of Marion's sister Ann, her late husband John and their two daughters. Marion, Frank and Ann still holiday together, though their travels have taken them much further afield. A cruise trip to Egypt is planned as part of their anniversary celebrations.

Frank is a huge Hearts fan and has held a season ticket for most of his life. He was a keen bowler and, up until he suffered a stroke in 2002, was winning single and team competitions for Gilmerton Bowling club where he is still a social member. He is a member of Mensa and keeps his mind active with crosswords and quizzes.

Marion has always participated in keep fit classes, though her real passion is her garden.

They spend as much time as possible with grandchildren Monica, Maxine, Melissa, Amy, Ross, Adam and Murray.

To commemorate their anniversary, Frank and Marion held a party with their family at Craigmillar Park Golf Club. Marion said of the evening: "It was all we could have wished for and more."