It's been a hectic time for artist Bert Chandler and his wife Mary who are enjoying a triple celebration this year.

On October 25 Mary's mother, Florence, celebrated her 100th birthday as did Bert's father, Jeff, on August 17.

Today the couple, who live in Hawkcliffe View, Silsden, celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

"We have also just had an extended holiday at our daughter's home in Canada," says Mary. "So we are having a busy time."

The couple met and married in Coventry in the West Midlands. Mary, 71, was born in Doncaster. She lived with her family for a time in Acomb, near York, and they also lived in Norton, North Yorkshire.

The family moved to Coventry at the outbreak of the Second World War where Mary took up a job with Jaguar cars..

Bert, 72, was born in Coventry and won a scholarship to the city's school of art at age 13. He left at 15 and took an apprenticeship in advertising.

The War intervened and after serving four years in the Royal Navy, Bert returned to complete his apprenticeship. He eventually moved to London where he worked for the Ministry of Defence as a graphics officer. He took up further advertising posts with the Navy in Portsmouth and the Army's Royal Artillery at Larkhill in Wiltshire.

The pair met after Bert was de-mobbed and returned to Coventry. "He was out to have a good time," Mary jokingly told the Keighley News. "We met at an Arnhem Commemoration Ball and that was it. We met in September, got engaged in December, and were married the following November."

When he retired Bert told Mary that he was "taking her home to Yorkshire" and the pair eventually settled in Silsden where they have lived for the last ten years.

"He loves it close to the Dales," added Mary. "There is so much for him to paint."

Bert has displayed his works at many exhibitions and his drawings have appeared on various tourism leaflets for the Bradford, Wharfedale and Airedale area.

The couple attend Bolton Abbey Priory where they are heavily involved in church activities. They are also members of a quiz team at the Slaters Arms, Bradley. They have a daughter, Alison, and a 17-year-old granddaughter, Elizabeth.

The pair will have a celebratory meal with family and friends at Steeton Hall.

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