Dancing couple prove diamonds are forever

Easthouses couple Andrew and Betty Sharp, who met in a Bonnyrigg dance hall in 1956, recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Gorebridge-born Andrew (81), a piper, master of ceremonies and tour guide at Dalhousie Castle for the past 33 years, and Betty (80), originally from Bonnyrigg, were married 60 years ago on June 21, 1957.

Looking back on how they got together, Betty said: “We met at the Regal in Bonnyrigg in 1956. He just came and asked if I wanted to dance. We got together after a month of back and forward, and have been happy ever since.

“We got married in the United Free Church in Gorebridge. We had lots of family there, it was a lovely day, not a big affair really, the reception was in Andrew’s mum’s house in Gorebridge.”

The wedding day of Andrew and Betty Sharp of Easthouses back in 1957.

Andrew nearly forgot the big anniversary as he was set to head to Germany with his beloved Borthwick Pipe Band.

Betty said: “We just had a quiet meal because Andrew was going away with the pipe band early in the morning.

“We will get a coach trip when he comes back, not sure where to yet, either up north or down to Wales. We’ve not made out minds up yet.

“Andrew actually forgot the anniversary date! I said ‘when is the Germany trip?’ He looked at me and I think it clicked,