Margaret and John McGuckin will celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday 30th October 2025.
The couple were married at St. Thomas More Church, Hartlepool, in 1965, by Rev. Father McKenna. They have been blessed with two sons, David and Kevin, as well as three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Both Margaret and John were born in West Hartlepool (now Hartlepool) and first met at the local Listen Street Youth Club. John fondly recalls the moment he first saw Margaret walking across the dance floor – “a vision in blue jeans and ponytails” – and immediately lost his heart.
The McGuckin’s share a love of the outdoors and country pursuits, spending many happy weekends exploring the North East in their family caravan.
Margaret was the first girl in Hartlepool to earn the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, which was personally presented to her by the Duke himself.
For John, one of the proudest moments of his life – second only to his wedding day – was joining the Hartlepool County Borough Fire & Rescue Service. Dedicated to serving his community, he later transferred to Durham County Fire & Rescue Service, where he was based at Darlington Fire Station.
Throughout his career, John completed extensive training, including two six-week residential course at the Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh. He went on to serve as the Brigade’s Radiation and Dangerous Substances Officer and Divisional Breathing Apparatus Officer, before being promoted to Officer in Charge of Newton Aycliffe Fire Station, overseeing operations across the Southern Division.
Margaret and John’s enduring partnership – built on love, dedication, and shared adventure – is an inspiration to family and friends alike. Their family joins in wishing them every happiness as they celebrate this remarkable milestone.