Golden wedding celebrations for Scarborough couple Martin and Katy

Martin and Katy celebrate 50 years together.

Martin Dove,72, and his wife Katy, 71 met on May 24, 1970, at the Hoop and Toy pub in South Kensington. Martin, a huge Bob Dylan fan, won over Katy with the help of his idol, "Did you know it's Bob Dylan's birthday today?" asked Martin. The chat up line worked, as just over 4 months later on Saturday,October 3, they were married at Kensington Registry office.

Martin, who was born and bred in Scarborough, said: "I went to London in the 60s as it was hard to find work locally - it was just something that you did back then."

He was living in South Kensington and got a job working on the London Underground, first as a guard and eventually a train driver. Katy, originally from Glasgow, was living in Earls Court and working as a proof-reader for the Government when they met.

Martin and Katy on their wedding day in October,1970.

The couple moved to Scarborough to settle down and had their son Robert who they aptly named after Bob Dylan.

Robert, now 40, and his wife also named Katie have a baby girl Hollie who is two months old. She is Martin and Katy's first grandchild.

The couple had lots of plans to celebrate their 50 years together, but unfortunately due to Covid they have had to cancel them. Instead they hired one of the beach huts in North Bay for the day.

Martin said: “It was cold, wet, and gloomy, but we had a constant stream of visitors from 10am to 2pm.

The couple marked the occasion by hiring a beach hut in North Bay.

“We came home, damp and disheveled, and more guests kept on coming.

“I even got a call from my 92-year-old uncle, and 90-year-old aunt congratulating us.

“It was a lovely day, packed with memories, family and friends.”

When asked what the secret is to such a long and happy marriage Katy said: "Music and laughter, we both listen to music every day".

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