KEITH and Jeanette Owen celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday - and believe that the secret to a long and happy marriage is avoiding needless arguments.
The pair, now 82 and 81, met when they were just teenagers in 1959 but it took them seven years to tie the knot at St Helen’s Church on Laithes Lane on February 26, 1966.
Keith, originally from Barugh Green, was a welder in his younger years and Jeanette, from Athersley, worked numerous jobs including at a sewing factory and Charlesworth butchers.
They have two sons, two granddaughters and a great-grandson.
They celebrated together on their anniversary yesterday with a meal and are due to meet up with their family tomorrow for a special celebration.
Jeanette told the Chronicle: “We met in 1959 but we didn’t get married until 1966 - he took some catching.
“It was love at first sight for me.
“I still remember seeing him for the first time.”
Asked what the secret to a happy marriage is, she added: “You’ve got to pick the right one for a start.
“But it’s just give and take.
“Arguments are a waste of time and it just makes you miserable.”
