They may not be the young ones anymore but after 60 years of marriage a couple that Cliff Richard brought together remain young at heart.
Jean and Jim Appleby met as teenagers at the cinema when they’d both gone with friends to see Summer Holiday starring Cliff.
Two years later they were married and in 2024 they celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary with children James and Susan and their three grandchildren, Elliott, Ryan and Hannah.
If Cliff Richard first brought them together, it was Jim’s charm that won Jean’s heart.
“For our first date he took me to Newcastle to see a James Bond film and then for a lovely meal,” said Jean. “It was the first time anyone had treated me like that, he was a real gentleman and still is,” she said.
Jean’s father was a miner and bonded with Jim who spent 30 years in the pits before a back injury led to retirement from Wearmouth Colliery. Her mum Florence passed on some advice they have both followed.
“When she was the age we are now I remember her telling us she had the money to go out but didn’t have the joints and to make sure we got out every day,” said Jim.
“That was good advice, and we make sure we always go out for a walk and a cup of coffee. We may not have young joints, but we are still young at heart.”
The couple live in a DAMHA home in Birtley, the town where Jim was brought up.
Recalling his life in the pits he said: “I started off as a labourer for the council before switching. There were good times and bad times but I don’t regret becoming a miner.”
Apart from the daily walk, there’s another part of each day Jean looks forward to which takes her back to her time a s a teenager.
“I still love the music of the sixties,” she said. “When Jim nods off on an evening I’ll get my headphones on and have a listen. I like all sorts of music, the children even got me into heavy metal.”
And Jean has no doubts what the secret is to a long and happy marriage.
“Love is the answer. We’ve had ups and downs but always been there to support each other, and the things you’d go in a huff about as a youngster don’t worry you any more.”