Marriage which has lasted the distance

Alan and Maureen Jones

TRAVEL has always been an important part of the lives of Maureen and Alan Jones.

The lovebirds met while working at travel agents LR Stantons in Union Street in 1955.

Alan took a shine to Maureen and the pair married at St Paul’s Church in Hathershaw four years later.

And travel is still playing its part 50 years later as the couple embark on a trip to Canada and Alaska to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

Maureen (70) and Alan (75), who live in Moorside, have run Seasons, a Christmas decoration shop in High Street, Uppermill, for the past 26 years. Alan also helps son Trevor to run travel agents LBC in Meltham.

Maureen, who is well known for teaching aerobics at the Belgrade Hotel and the Queen Elizabeth Hall, as well as running a dance school at Oldham Lyceum, now helps daughter Gillian Kols run Little Steps Dance School in Diggle.

The hard-working pair, who have two grand-daughters, believe keeping mind and body active keeps them young.

And as for advice on how to ensure a long and happy marriage, Maureen said: “Give and take, hard work and embrace each others hobbies.

“Alan is a devoted Man City fan so we got married when they were playing away and I would never stop him watching his team on TV just the same as he lets me watch the ballet.

“Marriage is like a garden — it takes work and effort to make it grow. Every relationship is 90 per cent hard work and 10 per cent romance.”