Couple who met in dancehall celebrate 70 years of marriage

A couple in their 90s who fell in love in post-war dancehalls in Glasgow have celebrated 70 years of marriage.

Gordon and Jean Cowan married on March 23, 1951, two years after they met at the Dennistoun Palais in Glasgow’s East End.

They celebrated their big day at David Walker Gardens in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, where they live – in the the town where they held their wedding reception.

The couple spent their honeymoon in Ayr, Ayrshire, but after they married regularly visited Europe, with a favourite destination being the Italian Lakes.

The pair, who never had kids, travelled the length and breadth of North America by bus and train, having sailed over on the Queen Mary.

Gordon, 98, said: “I never would have imagined as a boy, when I grew up just round the road that I would be here in this wonderful place celebrating with the love of my life after 70 years.

“We are very thankful.”

Jean, 94, was a former ‘clippie’ on the trams, leading the way as the first working women to wear trousers, while Gordon had a career in glassmaking.

Senior care worker Megan Watt added: “Gordon often shares with us fond stories of life and travels with Jean, and we couldn’t help but notice what a tremendous psychological boost that music and a chance to share memories gives not just to them, but to all of our residents.

“Bringing all of that together with the celebration of Gordon and Jean’s amazing life and partnership, was one of the most memorable events we have seen here.

“We all feel so privileged to have been a part of it.”

Manager Debra Allison said: “It was so touching to see Gordon and Jean being able to celebrate the day with the sense of companionship and togetherness that’s characterised our staff and residents’ response to every challenge Covid has presented.”

Chief officer of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Val de Souza, said: “Examples of compassion, thoughtfulness and community spirit have abounded, right across our care homes and throughout this pandemic.

“The fact that Gordon and Jean could take time to relax and reflect on their seven happy decades together is testament to that very spirit.”