Couple together for more than 60 years share secret to their long marriage

In a world where true love can feel rare, a Bury couple have shown that lasting romance isn’t just something you seen in films.

Joyce and John McKendrick recently celebrated their milestone diamond wedding anniversary – marking an incredible 60 years together.

The couple commemorated the special occasion surrounded by loved ones in a family gathering at HC-One's Rose Court care home in Radcliffe.

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The party was attended by their sons, Gary and Craig, along with other extended family. Held in the care home’s garden room, there was plenty of cake as the couple shared their happy memories from over the years.

Joyce and John met after their friends set them up on a blind date – quickly realising they had a connection that would go on to span decades.

With travel a major factor of their marriage, and John a rail enthusiast, one of their most cherished memories was taking the Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel to Paris.

Manchester City has also been an important part of their lives, with devoted fan Joyce having fond memories of taking her children to watch the current Premier League champions over the years.

The couple have since revealed their secret to a happy and long marriage – being best friends and 'remembering the wife is always right’.

“The secret to a long and happy marriage is about having lots of love for your partner who is also your best friend,” Joyce said.

“John and I have and always will be the best of friends, which is important. We have supported each other through both the good and bad times, but John always remembers that the wife is always right.”

Lucy Ling, wellbeing coordinator at Rose Court, has since spoken of her admiration for the couples’ journey.

“It’s so lovely in this day and age for a couple to have been together for so long,” she said. “They’ve had a brilliant life, and they are who we all aspire to be.”

And the couple say the party was meant much more than marking 60 years – it was a wonderful way to celebrate and get together with their loved ones.

“The highlight of the day was having the family around us together,” she said. “It is great to celebrate our marriage and our children, who we are very proud of.”