Diamond couple from Balderton say love is key to long marriage

Two teenage sweethearts from Balderton will be celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary in style next week.

Jenny and Russell James met when aged just 16 and 17 and haven't left each others side since.

The pair were introduced by mutual friends at a fairground at Sconce Hills park.

"I was out with my cousin and Russell was out with his friend. We got talking and that was how it all started," said Jenny.

They got married in the snow at St Giles' Church in Balderton on March 31, 1962.

Jenny and Russell later had two boys, Mark who is now 55 and Nicky who died in 1993 aged 22.

They share three grandchildren and three great-children, most of whom live a walking distance away from their flat.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the love birds enjoyed going on cruises and particularly liked the warm weather of the Caribbean.

"We used to go four times a year but since covid, we haven't been," said Jenny.

Jenny and Russell also like to do jigsaws together— Russell was a keen footballer in his younger years but had to stop playing due to health issues.

They will be celebrating the diamond occasion with a special party for family at the Newark Conservative Club on Thursday.

When asked what the secret is to a long and happy marriage, Jenny said: "It's all about love and togetherness, you have to pull the same weight."