Dennyloanhead couple celebrate Diamond Wedding - and have second reason to be grateful

Having spent some time in hospital after suffering a fall, Jim Kemp was reunited with wife Winnie – née Curran – as he was discharged on the day they reached 60 happy years together as husband and wife.

The pair, who are both aged 85, were thrilled to be able to enjoy one another’s company at their home in Bankview Terrace and were “overwhelmed” to receive an anniversary card from the Queen.

Jim, who is originally from Stirling, met his Bonnybridge-born wife-to-be in his home city’s Plaza Ballroom where both liked to go dancing.

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The Kemps married in Bonnybridge Parish Church on February 4, 1961 and held their reception at The Plough Hotel in Stenhousemuir.

Jim was employed as a gas engineer with both the gas board and Carron Company, while Winnie worked as a receptionist in the outpatient department at Falkirk Royal Infirmary until she left to have her son, Colin, now aged 56.

She returned to the hospital in 1973 when the new outpatients unit opened to resume her role as receptionist in a new accident and emergency department until her retirement.

Grandparents to three grandchildren, the Kemps have also been blessed with four great-grandchildren, one of whom wrote to Buckingham Palace to request a congratulatory message from the Queen.

In their younger years, the couple “loved the dancing”, says Winnie.

Now, they like to spend their spare time tending to their garden and would regularly take their dogs out for walks prior to Jim’s fall.

Holidays to Tralee Bay near Oban also conjure up fond memories for the pair who liked to go walking along its beachfront.

As he pondered over the secret to a successful marriage, Jim laughed and said: “I joke about it and say I certainly couldn’t afford a divorce!”

The Kemps would like to thank Donna and all of the staff on Ward 31A at Forth Valley Royal Hospital for the excellent care and attention given to Jim, as well as the kindness they showed to Winnie.

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