Wakefield couple celebrate 60 years of happiness that all started with a telephone call

David and Judith Parkin of Sandal tied the knot at 2.30pm on Saturday June 4, 1960, at Wakefield Cathedral.

A celebration with food and wine then took place at the York House Hotel, Drury Lane, Wakefield.

A total of 70 guests were treated to a sherry reception, ham salad, trifle and a toast to the bride and groom, all for the grand sum of £38 and 17 shillings.

Judith was employed on the switchboard at County Hall in Wakefield and it was the telephone calls that brought the couple together.

David started his 40 year career in social work based in Shipley and over the years worked in various parts of Yorkshire. He also worked for the Blind Institute in Batley before retirement.

While bringing up the family Judith worked part-time for Birds Eye Frozen Foods and for many years as a bounty photographer at Manygates Maternity Hospital.

In 1972 Judith trained as a teacher for Women’s League of Health and Beauty now known as the ‘Fitness League’ and only retired 12 months ago. David spent many happy hours growing vegetables on allotments in Agbrigg. This allowed him to provide lots of fruit and vegetables, which kept his family fed for many years.

Judith spent many weekends podding peas and blanching vegetables for the family freezers. The couple are regular worshipers at St Helen’s Church in Sandal and Judith enjoys attending Women’s Fellowship groups.

The couple have three daughters, all of whom are working in different caring professions and they have seven grandchildren.

t made those telephone calls to the County Hall switchboard in the late 1950s so worthwhile!