A couple in Falmouth celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday, having been married in Derbyshire in 1961 before moving to Falmouth seven years later.

David and Margaret Knight were happy to celebrate 60 years of marriage on the September 23 2021 and receive a card from the Queen.

The couple were married in Derbyshire in 1961, but they moved to Falmouth in 1968 where Margaret’s family had lived for many generations.

David said: “We had a quiet night in on our own because most of our relations live further away and couldn’t make it down due to Covid, but we had a good day.”

Margaret added: “With this virus it’s difficult for them to get to us really, but we had a quiet evening with some champagne and a nice meal.

“And our daughter is taking us out for afternoon tea at The St.Michaels Hotel on Sunday, which is where we had our honeymoon 60 years ago”

Falmouth Packet: The couple were married in Derbyshire in 1961 The couple were married in Derbyshire in 1961

The couple have three children, their eldest son gained a PhD in chemistry at St Andrews University and is a professor and head of BioMedical & Chemical Engineering Sciences faculty at a Florida University.

Their daughter qualified as a radiographer at Exeter University and works at The Royal Cornwall Hospital and the youngest son has a Masters Degree in computer science from Edinburgh University and now lives and works as an IT specialist in Yorkshire.

David and Margaret say they initially moved down to Falmouth in order to give their kids the best start to life.

Having heard that schools in the Duchy were of a good quality, the couple decided it would be a good place to raise their children.

Margaret said: “Having relations down this way, we’d heard the schools in the area were good and decided that was where we wanted them to grow up.”

The couple have six grand-children.

David continued: “We moved down her in 1968, 50 odd years ago and there’s just nowhere like Cornwall.

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“I remember when we first moved down here, the people I worked with said ‘You’ll never go back again,’ and they were right.

Margaret is better known as the principal of the Margaret Hancock Stage School in Falmouth which she ran for 46 years, having, qualified as an IDTA dance teacher in 1952. 

She regularly produced summer shows and pantomimes at the Arts Centre, The Princess Pavilion and latterly at the Hall for Cornwall supporting various local charities.

Margaret was also secretary at Mylor C.P. School for 28 years and the Standard Bearer for 21 years for the Royal British Legion Women’s Section, Mylor Bridge.

Falmouth Packet: A couple in Falmouth celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday, having been married in Derbyshire in 1961 before moving to Falmouth seven years later.A couple in Falmouth celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday, having been married in Derbyshire in 1961 before moving to Falmouth seven years later.

 

At the age of 86 she is now enjoying retirement.

David started his own stage lighting and set design and hire company in Falmouth supplying the whole of the West Country.

Now 81, he also retired several years ago.

Interestingly, Margaret’s father was an apprentice motor mechanic at Janes Garage on High Street and was one of the first to drive a motor vehicle through Falmouth.

Margaret said: “We’ve had a happy marriage all along, with no big problems.”