ALTRINCHAM’s ‘happiest couple’ are celebrating 50 years since they tied the knot.

Colin and Madeleine Yates met at Altrincham 18+ group in 1964, and four years later they were married.

All went well at their wedding on September 7, 1968, at Timperley Parish Church, where the couple still worship.

But their newly married life hit a few bumps on their honeymoon.

They boarded a Dan-Air flight to Costa Brava, their first experience of flying, when a bird got caught in the engine.

Madeleine said: “A lady opposite said she had just seen a bit of the engine drop off!”

Messenger Newspapers:

Colin and Madeleine Yates on their wedding day at Timperley Parish Church, September 7, 1968.

After landing safely and boarding another flight, the newlyweds touched down in Spain.

It was the first time abroad for the Yates’ and Madeleine suffered severe sunburn.

Things went from bad to worse for the young couple when Colin met up with some mates and arrived back at the hotel a little worse for wear.

Madeleine said: “I could have divorced him there and then.”

She didn’t and the couple went on to enjoy 50 happy years of marriage.

Colin became a Freeman of Altrincham in 1997 and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2012, for 50 years of work with the Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade.

The couple enjoyed a garden party at Buckingham Palace in honour of his award.

Messenger Newspapers:

Colin and Madeleine celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Friday, September 7, 2018.

Colin’s working life was spent as a sales manager, followed by ten years supporting adults with learning difficulties.

Madeleine worked for 34 years in the duty free area at Manchester Airport.

The secret to a happy marriage?

“Give and take and different interests”, said the wise couple.