Huge family gathers to mark 70th anniversary

Jean and Jimmy Burnett of Dudley Grove, Newhaven, who got married on August 30, 1940, celebrated on Sunday with their family, including their nine grandchildren and their nine great-grandchildren, the youngest being only five weeks old.

Mrs Burnett, 91, who said she is "Leith, born and bred", went to school at Leith Academy and spent her working life at St Cuthbert's Store, now Scotmid Co-op, until the onset of the war.

Mr Burnett, 93, went to Boroughmuir High School, which he left at 13 to start work with the civil service in 1932. He said: "I went to work as a boy messenger with the civil service. I was lucky, someone there took me under their wing and gave me the chance to take the civil service exam.

"I passed first time and spent 39 years as a civil servant, apart from six-and-a-half years in the army. I volunteered for service."

Unfortunately the young couple had to cancel their honeymoon because of the war. Mr Burnett said: "It was the invasion. I was recalled. I had to go to Kinross for a month then I was sent south where we were attached to the RAF in Uxbridge."

Meanwhile, Mrs Burnett was at the Navy Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI). She said: "I was in the NAAFI at Corstorphine doing clerical work for the armies' mechanics. We only had a week together inbetween Jimmy going to Kinross and when he was sent south. Our first child was born while Jimmy was still away in the army."

This week the couple received a card from the Queen, their second congratulation from the Royal Household. The first was for 50 years of marriage, this time it was for their platinum anniversary.

After Sunday's big get together at Trinity Rugby Club, some of the family took them to Comrie, where they've had a caravan for 40 years. Mrs Burnett said: "The caravan's still there. We hadn't been for a few years, but others from the family still go.

"Jimmy doesn't drive that distance any more."

The couple have two children, Jim, 53, and Sheena, 65. Despite such a big family - the oldest grandchild is 40 years old and the latest great-grandchild was born only last month - Sheena said: "They're very good, they remember everyone's birthday."

Asked what they think the key to a long and happy marriage is, Mrs Burnett said: "We've been very lucky. We've had a wonderful marriage. We've had our ups and downs of course. But we've got a good family."

Mr Burnett added: "They say if you want to live long you've got to marry the right genes. Well I married the right Jean."