Many congratulations to  Wishaw   couple Ernie and Iris Holloway   who celebrated 65 years of marriage together on 16th February 2020. Continue reading →

A COUPLE whose budding courtship was interrupted by national service have this week marked 60 years of marriage.

Deputy Lieutenant Clare Gallagher DL  and Provost Ian McAllan visited Jim and Jean Paxton at their home in East Kilbride on 13th February to congratulate them on their Diamond Wedding anniversary, and hear their fascinating story first hand.

Jean was friends with Jim’s younger sister and the pair first met at the Paxton family home in Glasgow’s Gallowgate in 1957 when Jean spent New Year there. However, before sparks could fly Jim, who was in the RAF, was posted to Germany for two years.

On his return, and on meeting up again, Jean took a little time to warm up to her pal’s brother again, but soon started dating, and wasted no time in making it official, marrying on March 20 1960 in St Thomas’ Church in the Gallowgate.

They set up home in Cubie Street, but moved quickly to Dalmarnock Road where son James was born in 1961. Following the arrival of daughter Kim in 1962, the Paxtons made the move to East Kilbride, where they live to this day.

Both Jim and Jean worked throughout married and family life, Jean initially as a spooler in Templeton’s carpet factory, the first of many such jobs, retiring eventually from Lerose Ladies Fashion to help look after her grandchildren.

Jim worked in Singer’s machinery factory in Clydebank before landing the job in Magico paint factory, which took the family to East Kilbride. From there his career led him to the building trade, working his way up to ‘ganger’ or foreman.

An active couple in retirement, Jean enjoys bingo, trying her luck a few times a week. Jim plays bowls at the Murray Bowling Club, where he has been Vice President once and President three times. But their happiest times are spent with the new generations of their family as four grandchildren, and three great – grandchildren with another two on the way this year.

Said Provost McAllan: “The 1960s was a boom time for so many newly-married young couples looking to better their lives and opportunities and for many Glaswegians East Kilbride provided that and more. It’s heart-warming to hear the story of Jim and Jean’s life from national service to new town, careers and busy lives; but most of all family and how much they mean to them.

“Deputy Lieutenant Gallagher and I are privileged as always to be invited to take part in such a special moment for the Paxton family, and we enjoyed every minute of our visit “

60 years and still going strong for fitness fans John and Christine

Despite both being in their 80s lifelong fitness fans John and Christine Duthie still enjoy a sporting lifestyle.

The East Kilbride couple are celebrating 60 years of married life and were visited by Deputy Lieutenant Fazal LLahi Bukhsh DL and Provost Iain McAllan  to mark the occassion. Continue reading →

The couple looking forward to their 50th anniversary after celebrating their 60th 

Diamond Wedding Anniversary couple William and Elizabeth Bissett can look forward to celebrating a 50th anniversary once their 60th celebrations are over. 

Next year will mark half a century since the couple moved into their East Kilbride home in 1970.  Continue reading →

Many congratulations to  Allanton  couple Billy and Anne Wilson   who celebrated 60 years of marriage together on 12th December  2019. Continue reading →

Many congratulations to  Airdrie  couple George and Janette Clarke  who celebrated 60 years of marriage together on 26th November   2019.

Deputy  Lieutenant Derrick Hannan   DL visited the happy couple and presented the card from Her Majesty the Queen and a scroll from Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Haughey  CBE whilst   Provost Jean Jones  passed over flowers  on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council .

Many congratulations to  Airdrie  couple Robert and Helen Blades   who celebrated 60 years of marriage together on 23rd October  2019. Continue reading →