‘Fun and laughter’ for 60 happy years

One sparkling couple are showing that they have the perfect recipe for a successful marriage as they are set to mark their 60th anniversary on Thursday.

May and Robert Borthwick married 60 years ago at Richmond Church and are still going strong. Picture: contributed

May and Robert Borthwick, who were both born and raised in the Capital, met through their sports club in 1952 before falling in love and tying the knot on September 25, 1954.

The couple settled in the city where Mr Borthwick served in the RAF and Mrs Borthwick spent more than 20 years working in the Royal Infirmary’s Accident & Emergency department.

They have three daughters, Janis Silver, Caroline Russell and Louise Clements, and still enjoy a happy family life as well as being respected and inspirational community members where they enjoy taking part in charity fundraisers as well as hobbies such as gardening.

The couple, who also have three son-in-laws, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, said their recipe for a happy marriage is down to “fun and laughter with their close family”.

They also emphasised that “love and loyalty” and “give and take” are necessary ingredients but that their “life is like a box of chocolates with all their favourite centres”.

They are now set to celebrate in style after their daughters spent months organising several celebrations including a message of congratulations from the Queen, a special invitation to meet the Capital’s Lord Provost, Donald Wilson, and travelling to Richmond Church, where they were wed, for a special blessing.

Mrs Silver, 57, said her parents were “very excited” when they found out about their surprise especially returning to the church where they were married.

“They are looking forward to going to meet the Lord Provost and receiving a message from the Queen – it’s a very special and grand occasion,” she said. “They are very devoted to the family, which is incredible, and their family is their life.

“We have always been the type of family that visit and we all sit down to dinner together and share stories and share troubles.”

The Borthwick clan, which has 21 members in total, will be getting together for a formal celebration too which will include son-in-laws, Bill, Kevin and John, grandchildren Michael, Lindsey, Derek, Dean, Melissa, Emily and Kimberley as well as their two great-grandchildren, Ellis and Theo.