Aberdeen couple prove “diamond” love is forever

An Aberdeen couple have toasted their diamond wedding anniversary together at a local care home.

Jesmond Care Home resident, Margaret Elsie Ann McNicol (83) and her husband Charles James McNicol (83) met at the “Pally” dance hall on the appropriately named Diamond Street in their youth and have been inseparable ever-since.

The pair were both born and raised in the city and started their lives together with their first house at Fraser Street following their marriage at the King Street Church in June 1963.

Margaret, who trained as a nurse in Aberdeen, also worked as a dinner lady at Scotstown Primary School while looking after their three children, Lesley, David and Alison.

After completing his apprenticeship to become a joiner, Charlie stuck with the trade all through his life, with a short stint as a clerk of works for Langstane Housing Association before his retirement.

Margaret now lives at Renaissance Care’s Jesmond Care Home in Bridge of Don, where she has spent four happy years and continues to be visited daily by Charlie, who still lives independently in Bridge of Don.

When asked for his words of wisdom on how to negotiate 60 years of marriage, Charlie said: “Never hold grudges. Always be honest with each other and if you have any problems, always speak about them. You’ve got to give and take and always be upfront and honest.

“When I look back, we had lots of lovely holidays abroad and some great times together, but I think our wedding day is still the best memory of our marriage. Margaret is still the same person as she was back then – good natured and very easy to get along with.”

Jesmond Care Home manager, Dawn Gardiner, said: “Margaret is a cherished resident here and it just makes your heart swell to see Charlie visit her every day.

“They’re proof that true love lasts forever and it was lovely to help them celebrate their diamond anniversary.”