A PEEBLES couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a party for friends and family at the town’s Green Tree Hotel last Friday night. (June 17 2022)
Retired design engineer Bob Abbot (83) and wife Margaret (82) married at Newton Parish Church in Newton Village near Danderhall in Edinburgh on June 16 1962.
The couple moved to Peebles 45-years ago and Margaret worked in a number of hotels and pubs including the Peebles Hydro, Cross Keys, Crown, Green Tree.
She was also chairman of the Peebles Highland Games for seven years and was a Beltane Crowning Lady in 2011 which was a great honour considering that she wasn’t born in the town.
The pair have one son, Derek who began his career as a chef at the Peebles Hydro and has worked in America and Finland, and now lives in Malta with his wife Sharon. They also have two grandchildren, Tilly and Robyn.
Margaret said: “I met Bob two-weeks before my 18th birthday and he was my first boyfriend. We went out for two-years before we got engaged in Bob’s mother’s house. I had no hesitation in saying yes and I’d do the same again.
“We love each other very much and I think that’s why we have had so many happy years together.
“The party was absolutely wonderful. Most people left about 11pm but we went elsewhere and partied till 3am.
“It was great to see the family, and it will be Derek and Sharon’s turn next as they celebrate their silver wedding later this year.”
Bob added: “It was great to see Derek and Sharon who travelled from Malta. Derek organised a card from the Queen and got us the proper frame provided by the Royal household which was very special.
“We spent the night going from table to table chatting to various guests but having the family with us was the icing on the cake.
“Sharon Is a teacher and couldn’t get time off so they could only stay a few days, but it was fantastic to see them.
“And it was a double celebration because Robyn had just received her exam results and she got a first-class honours degree in forensic psychology from Chester University which considering the lack of practical instruction due to Covid was a great achievement.”
When asked the secret of a long and happy marriage Bob said: “We seem to agree on the usual things, but there’s no specific formula. I accept that I don’t always have to win and Margaret accepts that she doesn’t always have to win.” Margaret agreed. She said: “It’s all about give and take.”
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