FOR John and Gwen Whitmore, who were celebrating their golden wedding today, there was no big secret to the success of their married life.
The couple said they were just very good friends.
They met nearly 60 years ago, when John, 77, who is originally from Shipton-by-Beningbrough - where the couple still live at Authitts Cottages - was on leave during the Second World War. He was serving in the Royal Signals attached to the Grenadier Guards.
He and his friends would pass time at Skelton, where he met Gwen, now 73, who at the time worked at the Rowntree factory. They were one of a trio of Shipton and Skelton couples who all met at the same time.
The couple were married at Shipton Church in 1951.
After the war John worked for Sorrell Builders Ltd in Heworth.
Gwen gave up her career when her son, Ian, was born.
To celebrate, the couple and 18 friends enjoyed lunch at the Sidings Restaurant, Shipton, this afternoon. They were joined by their son, Ian, his wife, Chris, and granddaughter Lucy, 22.
Updated: 12:41 Saturday, August 11, 2001
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