Dalkeith couple celebrate their Diamond Wedding!

The King's personal representative in Midlothian, Lord-Lieutenant Richard Callander and Midlothian Provost Debbi McCall surprised Jimmie and Josephine Shepherd today at their home in Dalkeith with a special visit to congratulate them on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Prestigious career

Paisley born Jimmie, who is one of six children, worked in various banking roles and was manager of the Musselburgh bank branch the the Royal Bank of Scotland before he retired in 1991.

One of five girls

Josephine Shepherd (nee Dawson), is from Glasgow originally and is one of five children, all girls.  Josephine worked in Singers sewing machine factory in Clydebank, which was one of the largest factories in the world at that time.

Worked in Dalkeith

She’s also worked part time in Dalkeith, including at Boots the chemist and Ralph McCluskey newsagent in the High Street, which is no longer there.

60 years married

The couple met at a dance hall and married in Glasgow 60 years ago today (Thursday).

Moved east in 1970

They moved to Dalkeith in 1970 when Jimmie was transferred to a new bank head office role in Edinburgh. They have lived in their current house in Eskbank Road since 1981.

Family ties

The couple has two children, David, who is married to Nuala and lives in Glasgow and Geoffrey, who is married to Jane and lives in Bonnyrigg. Geoffrey and Jane have two children, Ian and Paul.

Well known locally

Both Jimmie and Josephine are active in the local community.  They frequent the Justinlees Inn and are well known to the majority of the regulars.

Passionate bowler

Jimmie’s main passion is bowling, and he joined Dalkeith Bowling Club (at Ironmills) when he moved through here.  

Club champion

Club champion on more than one occasion, he was also one of key individuals responsible for the development and building of the Midlothian Indoor Bowling Club in Dalkeith.  He was appointed as the first president of the club when it opened in 1980.

Green fingers

Jimmie is also a very keen gardener and will spend lots of time in the garden and greenhouse, looking after his plants and the many vegetables that he grows.

Girl Guide Leader

Josephine was for many years a Girl Guide leader in the St Johns and King’s Park church.  She still knows and talks to many local girls and women who were in her guide company. She also enjoyed being a member of a local Scottish Country dancing group for a long time.

Congratulations

Happy Diamond Wedding anniversary!