A GREAT sense of humour has been a key ingredient in the diamond marriage recipe for a Fishcross couple who last week celebrated the milestone.

Guests kept turning up last Thursday, March 10, as Mr Thomas and Mrs Elizabeth Brown marked 60 years of a “long and happy marriage”.

The couple tied the knot at Sauchie and Fishcross United Free Church on the same date in 1962 and Elizabeth, nee Fleming, remembers it was a very windy day.

However, that wind filled the sails of their partnership for the next six decades; they first stayed in Alloa, where Thomas grew up, but soon moved to Fishcross where they have been living ever since.

Over the years, they raised three children, two daughters and a son, and are happy grandparents to nine grandchildren.

Elizabeth, who hails from Fishcross, worked for the council at the former Greenfield headquarters while Thomas, now aged 80, enjoyed a career in the building trade as a plasterer.

Their happiest memories include many holidays, to places such as the US and Egypt to name a few.

When asked about the secret to a long-lasting marriage, Elizabeth, who will turn 80 this year, told the Advertiser: “A good sense of humour.

“My husband has a brilliant sense of humour.”

Speaking of the celebrations last week, she added: “It was lovely, the whole family was here.

“They got us a limousine to take us up to Stirling Castle and back again – it was lovely.”

The diamond couple also received a card from the queen while Provost Tina Murphy and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Hector Nicolson were also in attendance for a surprise visit.

Elizabeth added: “I didn't know who was going to come to the door next!”