David and Mary Hendry from Largs celebrate 65th anniversary

David and Mary Hendry marked 65 years of wedded bliss, their 'blue sapphire' anniversary, on March 29.

Their romance started in Largs and has blossomed in the town and surrounding area.

David Buchan Hendry is part of one of the oldest families in Largs and is a well known face to many across the town.

Mary, nee Rodger, was born in Inveraray in Argyllshire and it was during their time employed in Largs that the couple first met.

A 17-year-old David, and apprentice motor mechanic at Frazer's Garage at the time, was riding his motorcycle when he passed Mary who was then aged 15.

She was sitting on the front door step of her home, Braeside Cottage in Meigle, when David stopped his bike and in conversation asked Mary if she would like to go with him to a dance at Stroove Dance Hall in Skelmorlie.

From there romance blossome,d and Mary, who worked at Galbraith’s Stores, and David saw each other every night.

David would often walk over the hills when his motorcycle broke down due to lack of money for fuel from his home at Castlehill Cottage, Brisbane Glen to 'court' Mary at the Meigle.

The pair soon became engaged and were married at Skelmorlie South Church by Reverend Innes, on March 29, 1959.

They settled in Largs after tying the knot, only for David to be called up a year later for his national service.

After 16 weeks' training for the Royal Military Police at Inkerman Barracks, David was posted to Kensington Palace Barracks in London. Mary joined him here shortly after his posting as they  couldn’t endure being apart

Mary worked in an administrative role for the British Empire Cancer Campaign during this time. 

On one occasions the couple's paths crossed in a working capacity at Buckingham Palace where David found himself with the Royal Military Police for the state visit of the King and Queen of Nepal. Mary found herself there for an appointment to see the Queen’s Purser, for a donation for British Empire Cancer Campaign.

David was demobbed two years later, and he and Mary returned to Largs in 1962 and settled at Kilburn Cottage, Brisbane Glen.

They were soon joined by their son, David junior, and then in 1965 by daughter Aileen.

David worked at Hunterston ‘A’ Power Station and then he and Mary established a motor and minibus hire business which held many major and local contracts.

They have always got on well, working together as part of a team and they both agree this is the key to a successful marriage - David maintaining all the vehicles and Mary doing all the administration.

Later David and Mary owned Wm Tyre and son, funeral directors, in Largs. Their late son, David, was managing director of Cooperative Funeralcare for the UK and Northern Ireland, but he passed away with cancer in 2015.

As well as their two children, David and Mary have been blessed with five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The couple plan to celebrate their anniversary later this month with a family meal.