Couple’s golden milestone is marked on the high seas

Local businessman Gordon Penrose and his wife Alice set off on the celebratory 10-night voyage on July 9 .

But little did they know that a special ceremony, arranged by their children, was due to take place on board the vessel on July 18 - the evening of their anniversary.

Daughter Lesa explained: “We wanted to do something to celebrate Mum and Dad’s anniversary and decided on a cruise instead of having a party at home.

“There were about 25 of us who went along with Mum and Dad; they had no idea we’d arranged the ceremony to renew their vows.

“My mum actually wore the same dress she had from her 25th wedding anniversary.

“It was a lovely surprise for both of them.”

Originally from Cowdenbeath in Scotland, Gordon met Carrick local Alice during a visit to the borough.

The couple married on July 18, 1964 at Carrickfergus Methodist Church, with their reception at the Old Jubilee Hall on Nelson Street.

After living in Scotland for a few years, the couple returned to the town, settling in the Downshire area along the Larne Road.

Gordon went on to found the now well-known local company Penrose Roofing in 1967.

Joining the couple in their golden wedding celebrations were daughters Lesa, Jan and Kathryn and son Don, along with relatives from Carrickfergus and Dublin.

The couple also have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.