Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

It’s never too late for love

6/ 5/2008

TWO newly-weds with a combined age of 165 are celebrating their marriage after a whirlwind romance.

John Malkin and Audrey Howarth, aged 83 and 82, tied the knot at Holy Family RC Church after a six-month friendship.

The couple, of Perth Road, Kirkholt, are both partially sighted and first met at the blind club in Rochdale just 12 months ago. By November, the great-grandparents had fallen in love and Mr Malkin romantically proposed during a meal at the Royal Toby.

Mrs Malkin was initially unconvinced by her suitor, but his persistence paid off when she eventually fell for his charms.

She said: "I liked him because he was very kind and a caring person.It did take me a while to become attracted to him though. I was widowed for 10 years and I never expected to marry again but when I met John, we fell in love."

They walked down the aisle on Friday and enjoyed a meal at the Spring Inn, followed by a reception at Wellfield Club. A surprise guest helped to make their wedding extra special.

Mrs Malkin’s daughter, Judith Longley, lives in Australia, but she made the long journey to Rochdale to make sure she could be by her mother’s side for the happy occasion.

Mrs Malkin added: "It was something that I wasn’t expecting. I thought she couldn’t get time off work so it was very emotional when I saw her.It was a beautiful service and it was the perfect wedding. I’m so happy."

Her husband clearly recalls the moment they met. He was quickly smitten by her but it took his new wife a little longer to fall in love.

He said: "She came and sat beside me. Some people are totally blind so we’re always asked to sit in the same seat. After a few weeks I started to talk to her but she didn’t really want to talk to me.I carried on talking to her and we were together by November. I’m very pleased and her family has welcomed me into their lives."

This month they will celebrate their marriage by setting sail for a relaxing Mediterranean cruise.