Party blow does not stop Jim and Ann marking Diamond Anniversary

Anniversary celebrations might have been put on hold for one Bury St Edmunds couple, but that did not stop them enjoying their diamond date on Thursday.

Jim, 83, and Ann Robertson, 81, had planned a 60th wedding anniversary party at Southgate Community Centre for 100 guests, asking for St Nicholas Hospice Care donations instead of presents.

They were forced to postpone due to coronavirus restrictions, but hope to reschedule for early 2021.

The couple met in their native Scotland when Ann asked Jim which bus she should take into town. They met again at a dance the following night and started talking, with the romance blossoming from there.

They moved to Bury 51 years ago through Jim’s work with Barber Greene. When it closed, he worked at West Suffolk Hospital as storekeeper clerk.

Meanwhile, Ann worked all her married life, spending 37 years as a supervisor in the hospital’s domestic department, with 11 years on Unison’s executive.

The couple have three sons, seven grandchildren and one three-month-old great-grandchild, who they are looking forward to seeing more of when restrictions allow.

They say the secret to marital bliss is being great friends and laughing.

“We love each other, but friendship is the most important thing. We’ve been through a bit over the years but at the end of the day we get through it because we laugh together,” said Ann.