Diamond duo celebrate 60 years of love, family and religion

Rev Canon John Bowers met his wife Margaret during a dance at Wallasey’s Harrison Hall in February 1952.

It was love at the first sight, with the two spending every day together until John went into the air force when he was 21.

Auto electrical engineer John, who was born in Wallasey, would travel home every other weekend and stay with Margaret, who had moved to Wallasey with her family after being born in Bebington.

After three years of dating, they said “I do” at St Peter’s Church in Heswall on April 11, 1955.

For their final six months in the air force, the loved up-couple - who celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on Saturday – lived in a caravan close to Stonehenge on the nearby RAF site.

They soon moved to Higher Bebington where their daughters Angela and Ruth were born, with John then carrying out Holy Orders in Birkenhead for three years.

They lived in Bromborough for a short time, where their son Chris was born, before John’s work in the Church of England took the family to Hattersley and Bunbury.

“Margaret was a fantastic vicar’s wife,” said John, who celebrated 50 years of being ordained last year.

“She would meet with people coming to the front door, deal with emergencies as well as bringing up the children and looking after me.

“Our relationship with God has been an important part of our life and I believe it makes the world of difference.”

After living in Leasowe for four years, the couple settled in West Kirby where they have lived for the last 16 years.

With their children Angela, Ruth and Chris. Picture: Geoff Davies.

As well as their shared love of God, John and Margaret had other passions.

Margaret, a member of the Pony Club, rode a horse until four years ago, while John – an avid cyclist – rides all over the world to raise money for girls rescued from FGM.

The couple - who have five grandchildren and four great grandchildren - celebrated their anniversary with a blessing at St Andrew’s Church on Saturday surrounded by their friends and family.

Sharing their secret to a long and happy marriage, John – who has now retired but still helps churches who are short of priests – said: “Taking God seriously and working on the Christian basis of self giving love.

“A highlight of our marriage has been our three children who have always stood by us and been available and now, as years go by, they all keep an eye on us.”

Congratulate Rev Canon John and Margaret Bowers on their anniversary below.