Our secret? We’re still so fond of each other

Jean Birkby and Arthur Birkby celebrate their 70th (Platinum) Wedding Anniversary at Longwood Lodge Care Home.

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THEY met as schoolchildren in Bradford and have been together ever since.

Now aged 91 and 95, Jean (nee Sugden) and Arthur Birkby are celebrating their platinum wedding anniversary today.

The couple will mark 70 years of wedded bliss with a party at Longwood Lodge Care Home in Queens Road, Glodwick,.

They have four children – Sylvia, Gillian, John and Peter – four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

What is the secret to being married for so long?

Jean said: “It’s about give and take. And tolerance. You need to have a sense of humour. That’s the most important thing – and the fact that you’re fond of each other.”

Arthur added: “We’re still fond of each other. After 70 years we haven’t had an argument. It’s amazing. We don’t fall out.”

Home

Jean went to school with Arthur’s sister, which is how they first came to know one another. Arthur would sit on the front row of the bus that she used to get, so that he could catch a glimpse of her when she would get on board.

They married on April 27, 1946. Jean wore her sister’s wedding dress as she could not afford to buy a dress of her own.

Arthur was in the Royal Air Force – based at home – towards the end of the war and shortly after.

Jean was evacuated during the so-called phoney war to Giggleswick, North Yorkshire, for around 12 months. She had a scholarship to study in London, as she wanted to become a social worker. She had to give up that dream after her mother died.

They moved to Oldham in 1952 when Arthur, who was a pharmacist, bought Birkby’s Chemist on Oxford Street, Werneth. He worked there until he retired at the age of 61. Jean also helped out there.

They lived over the shop for many years before moving to Coppice and then to the Roundthorn area, where they had a good view of Oldham Golf Club.

The pair were members for many years – Arthur played three times for the Lancashire Seniors. He stopped playing 10 years ago.

Jean moved into Longwood Lodge two and a half years ago when she could no longer manage in a large house. Arthur joined her a year later.

Son John (66) said: “They have each had their own interests and enjoyed holidays together. If my dad was asked what’s the secret of a long life, he’d say red wine. My mum is partial to red wine as well.”