Birstall couple reach 60 years

Patricia and Bobby Pickles, of Fieldhead Lane, Birstall, met when working at TF Firth and Sons mill in Heckmondwike in 1953.

They married the next year at Batley Road Methodist New Connexion Church, Heckmondwike, on August 21

Patricia, 78, said: “We’re quite different in a lot of ways. He’s a nice quiet man and I’m a bit too outgoing! We just feel all right when we are together.”

They both went to Heckmondwike Grammar without knowing each other and Bobby entered the mill when he finished his National Service .

After marrying, Patricia and Bobby, 82, had their first son Steven a year later, followed by Robert and Jonathan.

Patricia said that they enjoyed travelling around Europe by car when their sons were young.

“We used to go across to Belgium, Germany and Italy. We have had lovely times. We’ve just gone and enjoyed everything,” Patricia said.

And to celebrate 60 years, the couple had an open house for friends and family to visit them.

“My family have all been lovely. They were so kind. I’ve never stopped smiling these last few days, I’ve just been bubbling over with it.”

Patricia also said they were pleased to have got a congratulations card from the Queen, which they have been showing to all their neighbours.