Lillington couple’s classic car date led to 60-year marriage

The Lillington couple, who have lived at their home in St Andrews Road since it was built 56 years ago, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last week.

They met in 1949 while Mr Clifford worked at the Grays garage in Warwick and would pick up parts from the Steveco factory in Adelaide Road where Mrs Clifford (nee Alsop) worked in the offices.

Not knowing his future wife’s full name, Mr Clifford sent her a postcard from his holiday in Blackpool which asked if he could take her out and started with the words “Dear D”.

Mrs Clifford said: “It was just absolutely cheeky.

“But when he picked me up in the Morgan I was very impressed.”

The couple were married at St Mary Magdelene church in Lillington on July 21, 1951.

They have shared an interest in cars throughout their married life and while Mr Clifford is a talented oil painter Mrs Clifford likes gardening.

To mark their 60th wedding anniversary the couple enjoyed a family holiday in Norfolk.

They have two daughters, Jane and Suzie, three grandchildren Chelle, Becki and Will and three great grandchildren Finn, Isaac and Archie.