A devoted couple who spend most mornings chatting over coffee in their favourite Merrie England cafe have celebrated 60 years of married life.
Bryan and Kathleen Bedford, who have known one another since they were eight years old, married in July 1956 at St John’s Church at Upper Hopton.
The couple, who now live in Mirfield, have three children, Katrina, Ian and Teresa, six grandchildren - David, Michael, James, Kieran, Richard and Katie - and seven great grandchildren.
Mr Bedford, 84, started his working life as a farmer at Gregory Farm on Liley Lane, Upper Hopton, and from 1970 worked as a caretaker at Huddersfield Technical College.
His wife, who is 86, was deputy headteacher at Lower Hopton First School. She retired in 1990.
Mr Bedford attended Upper Hopton School and his wife went to Mirfield Grammar School.
Daughter Teresa said their wedding anniversary was celebrated with a meal for 26 family members at The Ship Inn, Mirfield.
She said: “It has been a fabulous marriage for them. Dad says that he just gives in to my mum.”
The couple enjoy gardening and meals out - and regular trips to Merrie England in the town centre.
“Dad still drives and they like to go out for coffee at Merrie England,” said Teresa.
“The pair of them are inseparable. They are just together all the time. They have their ups and downs like every couple but you can see that they love each other.”
