Picnic plan to mark diamond day
A couple of retired schoolteachers are looking forward to celebrating 60 years of married life with a glass of bubbly and a picnic at Himley Park tomorrow.
Michael Mandry, aged 88, and Kathleen Mandry, aged 87, from Wall Heath, met in 1956 while both were studying at Birmingham University.
They married in Balsall Heath in 1961 and set up home in Kingswinford.
Michael taught at Five Ways, Birmingham, and then at The High Arcal Grammar School at Sedgley until 1988 and Kathleen retired in 1987 from her post as deputy headteacher at Northfield Road, Netherton.
The couple also believe their claim to fame is that they have actually been retired for longer than they worked. Sharing common interests, such as gardening and enjoying travelling the country by caravan, they say is the secret to a happy married life.
Michael said: “We had common interests but also our own interests.
“I was more of a grower of vegetables while Kathleen like growing flowers.”
Kathleen said: “We enjoy doing things together but also doing our own things.
“We enjoy the simple things in life and family, of course, is very important.”
The couple have one daughter, Natalie Barnfather, aged 57, three granddaughters and also a great-grandson Tommy Crookson, who born on February 23. Natalie said: “They are hoping to enjoy a picnic in the park but that will all depend on the weather.”
