An adventurous couple whose love blossomed while travelling the world are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

Ian and Marian Meakin, from Macclesfield, met as teenagers at college and soon discovered a shared love of cycling.

Over the years bicycles gave way to narrowboats and the couple spent two decades exploring the British waterways, before later taking to the road in their motorhome.

Diamond wedding of Marian and Ian Meakin (correct spellings) Pine Rd, Hurdsfield, Macclesfield 22 September 2015 Pic Dominic Salter

Now both 82 the great grandparents, who will celebrate their anniversary on October 1, show no signs of slowing up and still have plans to travel.

Marian, of Pine Road, Macclesfield, admits Ian was a little too adventurous in the beginning.

She said: “I remember early in our courtship and Ian suggested we cycle to New Brighton. We started at 7am and arrived at 5pm. There was only time for a quick sandwich on the beach before we had to set off. We got home at 10pm and I was so exhausted I collapsed at the front door. My dad had to carry me to bed. He wasn’t happy with Ian, but he was unfazed.

Ian was back the next weekend taking me on another ride. It was that devil-may-care attitude and his lovely smile that won me over.”

As well as studying together the couple also worked together at Brocklehurst and Whiston of Langley, Ian as a block engraving engineer and Marian as a textile designer.

After their wedding at Sutton St James’s Church Langley, the couple’s first house was on Springfield Road, Macclesfield, where they had Nicholas.
Diamond wedding of Marian and Ian Meakin (correct spellings) Pine Rd, Hurdsfield, Macclesfield 22 September 2015 Pic Dominic Salter

They later moved to Pine Road, where they still live.

Ian also ran a florist on Cross Street for almost 50 years, while Marian later worked as a freelance textile designer and teacher.

Their narrowboat adventures were cut short when Ian had a heart attack, but they were soon back on the road in a motorhome.

Marian said: “We have always shared a hobby which I think has been key to our marriage. But I would also say give and taking and putting the other person first has been important.

“We’ve had a happy marriage. There have been some tough times, especially with poor health, but we’ve refused to let it get us down and stop us enjoying our lives.”

The couple will celebrate their anniversary with a party with family, including their three grandchildren, six grandchildren, and their many friends.