Love at first sight for Vera

9:30am Thursday 31st July 2008

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A woman who is celebrating her diamond wedding anniversary today says she firmly believes in love at first sight.

Vera Turpin says that is exactly what happened when she met Gordon, 61 years ago in St Bede’s dance hall, Heaton, Bradford.

“I couldn’t help but notice him when I saw him dancing,” said Mrs Turpin, 85.

“He could do it all – the cha-cha, the oki-koki, everything.”

Now the couple, who have lived in Bradford all of their lives, mark six decades as husband and wife after marrying in 1948 at St Philip’s Church.

Mr Turpin, 84, said it was the best day of his life.

“To anyone getting married now, or just starting out, the best advice I could give would be to work together, carry on and do your best,” said the retired engineer.

Their sons Keith and Philip and the couple’s ten grandchildren will celebrate with close friends with a party at the family home in Eccleshill, Bradford, on Saturday.