Together after'¨a 50-year wait

Half a century has passed since Roy Maddock and Linda Hargreaves first became engaged with a Cameo ring.
Roy and Linda MaddockRoy and Linda Maddock
Roy and Linda Maddock

They had dated following a school camp to Coniston, but a misunderstanding and with university beckoning, the teenage romance ended.

Fast forward 50 years and their love was rekindled through a meal together and a mutual love of Mercedes cars - they just knew they were destined to be together.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Linda, a retired headmistress’ PA at Bury Grammar School, said: “We saw each other once in passing in 1978 and only in 2009 did we meet each other again after Roy’s wife sadly died and we shared a meal.

“Then until 2014 we only kept in contact via email as friends.

“In 2014 I bought an S class
Merc and emailed to laughingly show it off as Roy loves his Mercs. We met and knew immediately we had to be together.”

When Roy proposed the second time around, he asked Linda to try on his signet ring.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Unknown to me he then bought a diamond engagement ring and presented it to me,” said Linda.

“My father proposed to my mum in this way too so it was a very special moment for me.”

Wearing her original engagement ring too on their wedding day, Linda and Roy had the perfect day.

They had unfortunatekly been caught up in the liquidation of bridal wear shop Dan Kerr which meant a complete change of outfits.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But all ended well when Linda enlisted the help of Lottie’s Bridal.

“My dress was originally a sensible long pale blue dress but I ended up with a truly beautiful lace gown embellished with crystals and pearls,” she said.

“I am so glad Lottie took over and made me try that one on. I really felt like a bride – not 16 again but very close!”

A true romantic, Roy wanted silk flowers so their children could keep them afterwards. They were also joined by their old teacher, Alan Cavannagh, and instead of gifts, the couple asked guests to make a donation to charities Cancer and Mesothelioma.

They added: “The day was perfect for both of us. We have wonderful families who have come together as one and made our 50-year wait so very special. Our happiness is now complete.”

Related topics: