Teamwork is the key to a happy marriage say diamond couple

Teamwork is the key to a long and happy marriage according to Grangemouth couple Ella and James Darrien who were 60 years wed today (Thursday).
Diamond couple James and Ella DarrienDiamond couple James and Ella Darrien
Diamond couple James and Ella Darrien

The couple met at the local dance venue the Shilling Hop at a hut in Westquarter in 1955.

James asked Ella out on a date and the rest is history. They were married at St Mary’s Chapel in Bo’ness on March 2, 1957 and are now celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

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Ella (80), who grew up in Redding, moved to Bo’ness where James (86) was raised, and the couple lived there for many happy years and had two sons – Jim (58) and Brian (53). They moved to Gunn Road, Grangemouth in 1981 where they still live.

James and Ella on their wedding day in 1957James and Ella on their wedding day in 1957
James and Ella on their wedding day in 1957

James was a miner at Kinneil Colliery in Bo’ness until its closure in the early eighties then transferred to Bogside Colliery in Fife. He retired early in 1984.

Ella gave up her job at Nobel’s Explosives Factory in Redding when her children came along. Once the boys were older she returned to work, this time as a home help in Grangemouth which she did for over 22 years until she retired.

So what’s the secret of a long and happy marriage? “Teamwork,” said Ella. “We work together as a team. If he washes the dishes, I dry. If he does the hoovering, I do the dusting. We always work together as a team.”

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The teamwork extended to their hobbies too. Both were keen sequence dancers until their arthritis forced them to hang up their dancing shoes five years ago. They regularly attended dance events throughout central Scotland and twice a year went to Blackpool where they danced together in the famous Blackpool Ballroom. James was also a keen fisherman.

James and Ella on their wedding day in 1957James and Ella on their wedding day in 1957
James and Ella on their wedding day in 1957

“We’ve had our ups and downs like any husband and wife,” Ella added. “But teamwork is definitely the answer. We have enjoyed a lot of good times together and we have lots of good, happy memories.”

James and Ella are also proud grandparents to Samantha (31).

The happy couple are celebrating their special day with a family meal.