Last updated 21:06, Thursday, 04 September 2008

A WORKINGTON couple will celebrate their golden wedding tomorrow.

golden couple: Margaret and William Minto of Workington, who celebrate their golden wedding anniversary tomorrow

William and Margaret Minto, of Coniston Drive, met in the Palace Ballroom in Maryport, where they enjoyed dancing to live music.

The couple courted for three years before getting married in Our Lady and St Michael’s Church, Banklands, Workington.

Father D’Arcy conducted the ceremony before the newlyweds set off for a week’s honeymoon in Blackpool.

William, 73, said: “We had a great time together but the weather was awful. It rained the entire time we were there.”

Now 50 years on, the couple have three children, Graham, Gillian and Philip, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Margaret, 70, said: “It is nice having a big family because it means we are never alone. There is always someone popping round to see us and it keeps us active.

“It is nice to be a great-grandmother because I am playing the same games as I did with my children and my grandchildren.”

William worked in St Helen’s pit at Siddick for 16 years before becoming a welder at Chapel Bank in Workington, where he spent 28 years.

Margaret worked in the fashion industry and worked in Skelton’s dress shop in town. She later worked for the Cumbrian Co-op.

William was a member of Flimby Band for more than 60 years, playing every instrument but the trombone. He also enjoys playing billiards and still bowls at the Vulcan Park club.

Margaret is a keen fell walker and her favourite mountain was Skiddaw, she said.

The key to a successful marriage, said William, was to have a good argument.

He said: “You need to keep up the debate and a good argument helps with that.”

Margaret agreed, and added: “You need to have a bit of give and take or you will be doomed. Laughter is also important and we have plenty of laughs.”