Diamond Wedding

Burnley Express, October 1988

No Contest! Edith put Jim First.

A couple who met while walking out along Manchester Road are still together - 60 years later.
James and Edith Peart, of Briercliffe Road, received a telegram from the Queen to go with the numerous cards and flowers they had already been given congratulating them on their diamond wedding anniversary.
And this is what they put their happy and successful marriage down to: "There must be plenty of give and take and helping each other. We have no regrets at all," said Edith, who is 84.
The couple met while walking, and Edith even gave up her job as a cook at Marsden Hospital to spend more time with Jim. "It was a case of either giving up my job or giving up Jim, so I finished at the hospital," said Edith.
The couple married after four years of courting, and started their married life in Pritchard Street. They later moved to Glen View Road and then spent 35 years in Rossetti Avenue.
James, 85, a native of Burnley, started working as an errand boy at the age of 13 for Jonathan Woods, the confectioners. In the 27 years he spent there he worked his way up to become head confectioner.
But he could not beat Edith, who spent much time making Christmas cakes for friends and relations, and even made a large batch of cakes for her own diamond wedding celebrations.
Edith, who came to Burnley from Derbyshire when she was 17, was known as "Mrs Cake" for her baking talent. She said: "Jim used to help me with the cakes I made for people. It was a team effort really."
Although the couple have no children, they have plenty of relatives to keep them occupied. Edith said: "I am the oldest of my family, and had seven brothers and sisters to look after."
James, who has not worked for the last 30 years because of illness, takes a daily trip to his local for a pint. "That keeps me going. I can pop in and see my friends."
He also lent his culinary expertise in helping prepare the Mayor's reception in years gone by.
And the couple were congratulated on their anniversary by the present Mayor and Mayoress, Coun. and Mrs Ken McGeorge, who presented Edith with a bouquet.
But the celebrations do not stop there. The couple will be having an anniversary meal at Coal Clough House with friends and family.
PICTURE: Edith and James with the Mayor and Mayoress.