Appletreewick couple celebrate 60 years of marriage (From Craven Herald)

Appletreewick couple celebrate 60 years of marriage

3:01pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in News

An Appletreewick couple who met at a cyclist ball in Coventry have been married 60 years.

Former British cycling champion Peter Procter, who was a soldier in the Royal Artillery, fell for his wife Shirley, at first sight.

But he had to win Shirley over as she thought he was a “bit of a nuisance”, always asking for a dance when she was with her boyfriend.

But like his cycling style, he never gave up and that evening in the early 1950s he won her over.

Sixty years, five boys, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren later, they celebrated their diamond wedding on Valentine’s Day.

“I believe marriage is a lottery but in my case I got the jackpot,” said Peter, who went on to run a successful building company while Shirley pursued a career in education. She also worked as a teacher of yoga for 28 years.

After his career as a racing cyclist, Peter took up motor rallying and was involved in a horrific crash in 1966 which left him with severe burns.

His autobiography, Pedals and Pistons, is a fascinating and pacey exploration of his career in sport.

Big rugby union fans, the couple celebratred at Wharfedale RUFC in Threshfield followed by a family celebration at Rendezvous Hotel, Skipton.