FAMILY, love and tradition are the three things that make Audrey and Bill Turner a truly diamond duo.

The loved-up couple – who are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today, Thursday – first set eyes each other when they were both members of Port Sunlight Wheelers Cycling Club back in the 1950s.

Both avid cyclists, they rode all the way out to North Wales after saying “I do” at St Catherine’s Church, in Tranmere, on March 26, 1955.

Once they were married and settled to live in Wallasey, they went on to have three daughters – Pauline, Faith and Cindy.

Audrey, 81, gave up cycling soon after their wedding but 83-year-old Bill continued for many years, cycling for Birkenhead Victoria Cycling Club and competing in time trials and road racing up to his mid 50s, winning medals and trophies throughout his cycling years.

The happy couple, who now live in Pensby, will mark their matrimonial milestone with an intimate family party at the Grove House Hotel on Saturday.

“Mum and dad, despite not being in the best of health recently, are kept busy either with family life or general everyday life,” said 51-year-old Cindy, the youngest of the children.

“They are the mainstay of their family, having three children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter and another due in May.”

The women certainly rule the roost at the Turner household, with Audrey coming from an all female family.

Cindy said: “Her mum only had two daughters, and mum went on to have three daughters herself. My sister Faith went on to have three daughters only too and now one of her daughter’s is mum to – yes, you guessed it – a little girl.

“And her second daughter is also expecting a girl so great grandmother right through to a great granddaughter.”

Asked what their secret to a long and happy marriage is, Cindy said: “Tradition and family and, of course, love.

“Tradition – they worked through any problems that they endured throughout their married life.

“Family is what they are both about and so deep rooted in what they wanted to achieve 60 years ago. And they have, with love, respect and values from all their families.

“Love - not necessarily hearts and flowers, but their love for each other and their family.

“They have experienced many trials and tribulations - like lots of other couples of their time - and we know how lucky we are that they are here to celebrate such a magnificent achievement - 60 years together.”

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