A LOVE of music has helped cement the marriage of Tom and Shirley Mair.
The couple (pictured) have been involved with amateur operatics in Huddersfield for more than 50 years.
And they have been kept characteristically busy this autumn, preparing for Longwood Amateur Operatics Society’s latest show Sweet Charity, which runs at the Lawrence Batley Theatre from Monday.
The couple celebrate 52 years of married life in November.
Tom, 74 and Shirley, 72 have been involved with the society for more than 30 years.
Tom, a former chairman, is now president and Shirley has produced shows for several years and also been involved in the publicity side.
The latest show is a family affair, with daughter Susan choregraphing it and one of their grandchildren taking part.
The couple, who live in Lindley, spent their early years treading the boards in Marsden.
But when son Steven and Susan came along things had to change and they joined separate amateur operatic groups.
“Tom went to Woodhouse and I went to Lindley,’’ said Shirley. “They rehearsed on different nights, so it meant we knew we always had a babysitter.”
Since then they have worked tirelessly together at Longwood on all manner of projects, helping it foster its reputation as one of the friendliest groups in the area.
They also keep very active with other hobbies they share, including playing badminton and swimming.
They also have five grandchildren.
