Otley couple celebrate 60 years together

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Not many people get to hand deliver a celebratory telegram from the Queen to their parents.

But that is the honour Otley postal worker Susan Gray had this week when she presented a message from the monarch to her mother and father congratulating them on their Diamond wedding anniversary.

Arthur and Joan Shann, who have known each other since childhood and started courting in secondary school, were married 60 years ago today at Otley All Saints Parish Church.

The couple, 79, will celebrate their anniversary by holding a party at their home in Union Court today and then a family get-together at the Chevin Country Park Hotel and Spa on Saturday, September 10.

Arthur believes the key to their union can be explained by one word – respect. He said: “It's all about respect, that’s the key and If respect goes out the window it's the end of the job!"

Looking back to their wedding and honeymoon, he added: "We went to Bridlington for our honeymoon with just £5 spending money, but still came back with change!"

Grandson Jamie, his partner Hannah, and great grandchildren Hamish and Rufus will be among those visiting to mark the occasion. Also coming are Joan's 90-year old-brother, Leonard, from Derbyshire and one of their bridesmaids from 60 years ago.

The couple have asked for donations to be made to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in lieu of presents.

Editor's note: Due to a production error, this story did not appear in the print edition of this week's Wharfedale Observer.