York couple celebrate 65 year blue sapphire anniversary

Janet, 84, and Brian Stockton, 86, celebrated their blue sapphire anniversary on November 7 of this year at Haxby Hall Care Home in Haxby - surrounded by family and friends.

The pair met in around 1957 while attending Tadcaster Young Conservative Club. During that time, Brian was a trainee solicitor and Janet worked for Yorkshire Insurance Co in Lendal – with the pair becoming close friends and spending time together, before their relationship blossomed into a romance.

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They married on November 7, 1959, at St Marys Church in Tadcaster before taking their Honeymoon trip down to London on Armistice weekend where they watched the parade before Brian took Janet on a tour of the law courts.

Shortly after tying the knot, the young couple moved to Newark on Trent and Northallerton, before settling in Allerthorpe - just outside of Pocklington. 

Outside of their marriage, they both led a rich life - spending a lot of time volunteering for The Round Table and the Rotary Club. Brian served as President of the Yorkshire Law Society, while Janet was an amateur actress and ran side businesses as an Avon Lady and a Tupperware rep.

The couple and their loved ones celebrate their big day! (Image: Provided) They have two daughters - Judith and Catherine, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

On what keeps their marriage happy, Janet said: “The secret is to always be friends.”

The couple celebrated with a party with their family where they were showered with gifts and cards, including a special card from King Charles and Camilla.