Couple celebrate their diamond wedding with a holiday in Malta

The happy couple lived in Guernsey for many years.

‘We first moved away from St Sampson’s, Guernsey, in 1963 to go to Thailand for three years. After coming back to spend six years at St John’s, we left in 1972 to go to Southampton,’ Mr Ironside said. ‘We came back to the island in 1982 until finally moving away in March 2011.’

Romance remains strong as they reminisce on their lives together.

‘It began on Paddington Railway Station on August 24th 1959. It was the day I arrived back from Guernsey on the boat train with the offer of a good job to do there and a nice little bungalow to make a home,’ said Mr Ironside.

‘There was a pretty dark-haired young lady whom I’d known at church for two years, two months and three days, whom I had invited to meet me off the train. In the romantic setting of the refreshment room, I had a proposal to make.’

‘I wasn’t disappointed. Nor, it seems, was the young lady,’ Mr Ironside said.

‘Margaret and I have been looking back and reflecting on the 60 years, just marvelling, and being thankful.’

In celebration, a family party is being held on 15 February.

‘Our family has grown leaps and bounds, so this year it’s just family. We are expecting 35 guests,’ said Margaret.

‘Previously we’d have friends too – we’d host in England and invite people from all over. Lots of Guernsey friends made the journey.’

Margaret, who fostered children after raising their own daughter and two sons, was made an MBE in 1999.

‘All is well with us, other than us both having a bit of a cold. We will be on holiday on our actual anniversary – we’re going to Malta for six nights from the eighth,’ Margaret said. ‘We would stay for longer, if not for the party.’

Marking the special occasion, the couple are going the extra mile for their holiday.

‘Usually on our anniversary we make a day trip to France for lunch and shopping, but this time we thought we would go and get some warmth,’ Mr Ironside said. ‘We had racked up enough air miles to pay for our flights.’

As a clergyman, Mr Ironside served at St Johns, St Sampson’s and St Andrew’s churches.

‘You know, we were in Guernsey for 39 years, over half our married life. We went there for our honeymoon after marrying in England,’ Margaret said. ‘We spent so much time in Guernsey, all of our children were born there. We do feel we are Guernsey people and miss it very much.’

The two have led an interesting life together.

‘After moving to Thailand John had a job in Bangkok and had a parish in Laos,’ Margaret remembered. ‘Liz was two and a half, and Michael had his first birthday on the boat over. Andrew hadn’t been born yet.’

They never could keep away from Guernsey.

‘When we came back John became a vicar at St Johns. Then we moved to Southampton for 10 years before coming back to Guernsey again, staying until John retired,’ said Margaret.

‘Now we’re almost fully retired – John helps out in a village church here once a month.’

Remaining active, they are enjoying life in England and return to Guernsey often.

‘We have been back to Guernsey every year, but wished to be nearer the family,’ said Margaret. ‘We keep ourselves well occupied. We have a lovely garden and John has been writing books.’

Religion and Guernsey are key features in the four novels he has published.

‘I’m enjoying life. Quite a few people in Guernsey know what I’m up to. Friends have copies of my books and I left some in St Andrew’s Church,’ Mr Ironside said. ‘I publish them myself and write based on things I’ve done, including my experiences in Guernsey. One character ends up the Bishop of Guernsey.’

‘My pen name, John Emmaus, is from the Bible. My daughter, Liz, gave me the idea – E for Elizabeth, M for Margaret, M for Michael, and A for Andrew, my dear wife and each of my children.’

Mr Ironside keeps up to date with island matters still.

‘I always check the Guernsey news most days, and get the press online, so I’m keeping in touch that way.’

Mementos of their fond memories will be displayed.

‘For the party my wife is putting up an exhibition. We’ve been looking through our old things to find photos and what the Guernsey Press wrote about us over our time,’ said Mr Ironside. ‘We kept all of our old press cuttings, all the nice things said about us when we left, and from when Margaret got an MBE. So we’re digging it all out.’