Diamond couple’s life of service together

Alan and Jean Allsopp, who now live in Driffield, East Yorkshire, were married at Heckmondwike Parish Church after meeting through the Dewsbury Young Liberals.

The couple led a varied and exciting life together with Mr Allsopp, 84, having acted as a Liberal councillor in Dewsbury, taking part in six elections.

He also acted as Alderman in the town and was a magistrate at Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court for 35 years.

Mr Allsopp, who worked for many years in engineering, also acted as chairman of both Kirklees’ Arts Council and Dewsbury and District Arts Council.

He is now chairman of the Driffield Royal Airforce Association.

Mr Allsopp said of his wife: “Jean is wonderful, she has always been there to support me.”

Mrs Allsopp, 85, worked for many years as a private secretary in a solicitors firm.

And the couple also worked together, running a fish and chip shop in Dewsbury.

Mr Allsopp said: “We have worked together in our marriage and in business, we have a very strong partnership.”

The pair, who received a telegram from the Queen to mark their milestone anniversary, have two daughters, Ruth and Jane, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mr Allsopp shared his secrets of a long and happy marriage saying: “Really you’ve got to give and take, never go to bed on an argument.”