TWO amateur thespians have decided to tie the knot - providing the perfect finale to a 30-year courtship.

Michael Johnson and Jean Baines, both members of Rawdon Amateur Operatic Society for many years, have each been married before and have grown-up families. They met when they were in a musical show back in 1970.

The couple, who live at Cottingley, near Bingley, will be married at Bradford Register office this Saturday, followed by a blessing at St Michael's and All Angels, Cottingley. They will then leave for a honeymoon in southern Ireland.

The wedding will be a real family occasion. Mr Johnson's eldest son, Neil, who has been a member of Rawdon AOS, is to be best man, while Mrs Baines' daughter, Deborah Evans, who has also been a playing member of the Rawdon society, is to be the witness.

Her eldest son, David Philip Baines, who was one of the children when the Rawdon society presented South Pacific in the 1960s, is to give his mother away.

"We have known each other for 30 years and have been partners for about seven years so we thought we should to get married. We shall be making our home in our present house," she said.

Mrs Baines has been an amateur theatre player for 45 years and Mr Johnson for 35 years. They are both holders of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association's medal and bars for their appropriate service.

Mr Johnson, a security officer with Bradford City Council and Mrs Baines, a retired tailoress and dressmaker, were at one time members of Idle and Thackley Amateur Operatic Society.

Since she retired Mrs Baines has taken up sugarcraft and makes flowers out of sugar. "I am making my own wedding cake, complete with icing and decorations," she said.

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