COULD lightening strike twice for diamond dancers Maureen and Jim Bennett?

The couple are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary today, Thursday, but are hoping the weather will not be a repeat of their wedding day.

Maureen, aged 79, said: “There was thunder and lightening all afternoon and it poured down so we couldn’t have any photos taken outside.

“I remember the rector said it’s not a nice day but you will have a long and happy married life because it’s good luck to rain on your wedding day.”

Maureen and Jim, now aged 84, first met at the Carlton Club after Jim asked her to dance.

And ever since the pair have shared a passion for ballroom dancing, though now they enjoy the music more than they get to dance together.

Jim worked at Lever Brothers until his retirement and Maureen spent time at the Wireworks and Burtonwood Airbase before the birth of her children Angela, Graham and Janice. Maureen later worked at Geoffrey’s Silver Stall on Warrington Market.

And the couple, who live at St John’s Court, Bruche, will be celebrating their anniversary with their family, including seven grandchildren and great grandchild tomorrow with a big party with 200 guests expected including their crown green bowling friends.

But after 60 years of wedded bliss Maureen has a few sage words of advice which was passed on to her by her own father.

“We have had our ups and downs but we have stuck together through them all. Marriage is the hardest job you will ever have,” she added. “He also said never go to bed on a quarrel and it’s about give and take.”