Sheffield couple celebrate 65th wedding anniversary
Long marriage: Clement and Joan Dunstan have been married for 65 years. PICTURE: STEVE PARKIN.
IT was not love at first sight – but festive sweethearts Joan and Clement Dunstan have done all right since, clocking up 65 years of happy marriage.
The pair are celebrating their blue sapphire wedding anniversary just a few weeks afters the Queen and Prince Philip.
However, Joan admits she only went on their first few dates as a favour to a friend to make up a foursome.
Airman Clement’s charms must have grown on her – 11 months after their first meeting in Manchester they were man and wife.
Joan, of Beckett Avenue, Lowedges, said: “I didn’t like him at first, I don’t know why.
“I only went on the dates to please my friend as she liked his mate, but everything worked out.
“We’ve got on well ever since and have been very happy.”
After they tied the knot in 1947, Joan moved from her hometown of Stockport to Sheffield, where Clement is from.
They lived with his parents for more than six years, before finding their own house, where they have lived for 57 years.
Clement, now aged 87, worked in insurance and on the railways while Joan was a sewing machinist, including a stint employed at city centre firm Walshes.
They have always enjoyed holidays and have two daughters – born 14 years apart – as well as three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Joan, now 86, said: “I always say the secret to a happy marriage is least said, soonest mended.
“It’s not worth arguing. And we’ve never argued about money, because when you haven’t got it there is no point!”
A family meal will celebrate the anniversary at a later date.
Daughter Pauline, of Gleadless, said: “We’re all very proud of them.
“Mum only went out with dad to make up a foursome and she didn’t like him at first – but I think he’s grown on her since!”
HERE’S WHAT ELSE WAS HAPPENING IN 1947
* British coal mines are nationalised.
* Britain sees the worst snowfalls of the 20th century during January and February.
* David Blunkett, Labour MP for Brightside and Hillsborough is born.
* Sheffield United finished fifth in football’s top flight, while Sheffield Wednesday finished one place above relegation in the division below. Doncaster Rovers won the third tier title and promotion ahead of Rotherham.
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Monday 20 May 2013
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