Wakefield teachers celebrate their diamond day

Two Wakefield teachers are marking their diamond wedding anniversary.

Val and Keith Williamson met in 1958 at Liverpool University at a Midsummer Night’s dance. Keith was so blown away by Val he asked her to marry him on their second date. An early shared interest was archaeology and they enjoyed going on ‘digs’ to places such as Wharram Percy in North Yorkshire.

They married in Macclesfield at St Edwards RC Church on April 3, 1961. Their daughter Claire was born in 1962 and Penny in 1964.

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Val missed Yorkshire so they moved to Wakefield shortly after and Keith became head of chemistry at Normanton Grammar School.

They bought a house in Sandal where they still live.

In 1967 their son Mark was born.

In 1977 Keith became head of science at Normanton Freeston High. Once the children were all at school, Val taught history at Normanton Grammar School, Normanton Freeston High, Wakefield College and Wakefield Girls’ High School.

Val and Keith both had various hobbies, including photography, archery, amateur radio and amateur dramatics. Val was very involved with St Helen’s C of E Sandal and Keith at St Peter and Paul’s RC Church.

They have achieved many things in their lives, both academically and career wise, but what they are most proud of is their three lovely children and eight wonderful grandchildren – Daniel, Angus, Alex, Henry, Celeste, Anna, Luke and Amy.

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They also are very fond of their two sons-in-law Andrew and Neil, and their daughter-in-law Lynne.

They will spend their diamond wedding day with Claire, Penny and Mark but are hoping to have a bigger party with more family and friends in the summer.

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