A HAPPY couple from Sale have recently celebrated sixty years of marriage surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

Sheila and John Ridd met at a dance hall in Longford Park, Stretford, when they were 19 and 23.

After John spotted a ‘red headed, blue eyed’ girl across the room and asked her for a dance, the rest was history and they got married in St Theresa’s Church, Firswood, Stretford in 1957.

Since then, they have had three children, ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The whole family gathered together on September 9 to celebrate Mass and watch as Sheila, 84 and John, 87 renewed their vows, at a ceremony presided over by parish priest Fr. Pat Monroe and Fr. Jim McGrath. That was followed a party for over 90 people at St Hugh’s Parish Centre in Timperley.

The party featured a video compilation of their lives made by their eldest son, John Ridd and live music from their granddaughter, Isobel Ridd.

John described the evening as “absolutely fantastic”, and mentioned a wonderful spread provided and serviced by catering company Brynleys.

Instead of receiving gifts, the couple asked for donations to CAFOD, the Catholic overseas development charity, who stand beside people living in poverty, and managed to collect over £300 from their charitable guests.

John said: “We’ve had such a wonderful relationship. Sheila’s from a big family, the eldest of seven, so she has kept me in line over the years.

“We chose to donate to CAFOD instead of receiving gifts, as after sixty years of living in our home, it’s full to the brim with everything we need.”

Sheila added: “We received a card from the Queen and a blessing from the Pope on our anniversary.

“The party was brilliant, and everything went to plan. It was nice to bring everybody together to celebrate the lovely times we’ve had over the years.

“It was a real family affair, and a number of friends were invited from the parish, including the priest – they’re our parish family.”

Bridget Fenwick, CAFOD’s local representative in Sale, said: “It sounds as if Sheila and John have had such a lovely marriage, and what a kind way to pass forward their good fortune.

“The money they have raised will go to helping CAFOD to stand beside people living in poverty overseas.

“We’d like to send both our gratitude and congratulations to the pair.”