Malvern couple celebrates Diamond wedding anniversary

Janet and Robin Whittlestone tied the knot in 1963 in a traditional wedding at St Paul's Methodist Church in Bedford. 

Mr Whittlestone was 22 and Mrs Whittlestone was 24 when the couple married on August 1. 

The couple met in 1959 at a folk dancing event in Bristol where they were both studying at university.

Mr Whittlestone was studying physics and Mrs Whittlestone was doing her teacher training for secondary needlework.

Their daughter Joann Clarkson said: "When we would go to the shopping centre a lot of people would know dad.

"He was a physicist for the government before he retired."

The couple settled in West Malvern in 1976 after Mr Whittlestone completed his PhD and got a job in Signals Research and Development Establishment in Hampshire. 

Mr Whittlestone was working for the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment before he retired in 1997.

"Dad was always very encouraging of the junior scientists and he's very patient." 

The couple said their anniversary day was a "normal day" and spent it with friends in their home in Malvern.

"They got married in the 60s and all the photos were black and white," Mrs Clarkson said.

"For their reception, they had a cup of tea in the village hall because that's all my grandad could afford.

"There aren't a lot of photos of it and that's what makes it more special.

"They were living in the moment, now we tend to live life through our mobile phones.

"The women wore gloves and hats and it seems so long ago, but it's odd because it's still in my parent's lifetime.

"I think my parents are best friends. 

"My parents always say when you first get married you are two individuals but after time you grow as people and you learn how to grow together and evolve.

"My mum is my dad's full-time carer right now and you couldn't be in that position if you don't have a level of trust with the other person.

"You have to laugh at the mistakes.

"My mum always says you have got to maintain a sense of humour."