Steelworks joiner finds lifelong love on night out, celebrates 60 years of marriage

Stuart Stead began courting his future wife Jenny when he was working at Shepcote Lane Rolling Mill in Sheffield and the couple tied the knot on her 18th birthday.

They received a card from the King — one of first issued by the new monarch — as they celebrated 60 years of marriage on May 11.

Recalling how they had first met, Jenny (78) said: “A friend of mine was courting a boy and said to him to bring a couple of lads for a night out and she would bring a couple of girls.

“I was one of the girls and Stuart was one of the boys and we’ve been together ever since.

“We began courting, going to dances and the pictures.”

The couple were married at St Aidan’s Church in Sheffield and lived in Tinsley for 15 years before moving to the Grange Estate, which they recently switched for Wickersley after 46 years.

Jenny, a former area supervisor for Tobacco Kiosks Ltd, and Stuart (84), who later worked as a joiner at Silverwood Colliery, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with two special family meals in between packing up to move house.

They have two daughters, a son and two grand-daughters.

Keen travellers, they have enjoyed numerous caravan holidays and several cruises.

Asked for her advice for a long marriage, Jenny said: “Share everything — and don’r keep secrets, especially where money is concerned.”