A COUPLE who insist patience is the secret to a long marriage are saying cheers to 60 years as they mark their diamond wedding anniversary.
Edward and Janet Ferguson, who tied the knot at Johnstone High Parish Church on February 24, 1962, have been reflecting on their special day.
The pair first met in the late 1950s at the Rolls-Royce plant in Hillington, where Edward was an apprentice draftsman and Janet was a typist.
Janet, 79, said time has flown by since she exchanged vows with Edward, who is four years older.
She told The Gazette: “We have been doing a lot of reminiscing recently. It’s amazing when you look back at all the time that has passed.
“I have very good memories of our wedding and I remember the minister at the time, Dr Arthur Fawcett, was quite a character.
“We had just bought our first house in Paisley, so we didn’t go on a honeymoon.”
Janet, who is originally from Johnstone, would later become a stay-at-home mum after giving birth to her first son Kenneth in 1968.
The couple then had daughter Linda in 1970 and second son Ian in 1983.
During this time, Edward left his job at Rolls-Royce to work at the Chrysler plant in Linwood before later working for the Ministry of Defence.
The couple, who have lived in Brookfield for around 40 years, now enjoy seeing their five grandchildren whenever possible.
Janet said that, over the years, she and Edward have made many happy memories together.
She added: “We’ve been quite fortunate in life. We have a lot of good memories of going on holiday to places in Europe.
“I think patience is important in a marriage, as you need quite a bit of it.”
Getting married at Johnstone High Parish Church is something of a family tradition, as it is also where Linda tied the knot in 1992.
She will celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary on June 13.
Linda, whose married name is Campbell, said: “We’re very proud of mum and dad for reaching this milestone.
“I think compromise and laughter have been the secret to their long marriage, as the two of them still laugh a lot.
“My dad doesn’t keep all that well, so the whole family is going to their house for some nice food and to give them gifts.
“We’ll be trying our best to spoil them both.”
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