Glasgow lollipop couple have stayed on the road to happiness for 60 years

May 10 2012

THEY may work at two different city schools, but Glaswegian crossing patrollers Joe and Amy Ambler came together today to share a special milestone – their diamond anniversary.

The Pollok-based couple were married 60 years ago today, and to celebrate their anniversary Joe and Amy were presented with a special lollipop-style cake to mark the special occasion.

They also received a congratulations card from the Queen and a bouquet of flowers from the Lord Provost Bob Winter.

Joe, 81, has worked as a school crossing patroller for the routes leading to Crookston Castle Primary School for almost 14 years, while Amy (Amelia), 78, joined a year later to cover Gowanbank Primary School, which is just a short drive away.

Former long-distance lorry and bus driver Joe met former machinist, cleaner and carer Amy when he was on home leave from Belgium while serving as a private in the Corps of the Royal Engineers.

They courted for just three weeks before Joe had to return to Belgium, but the couple kept in touch by letter for six months. When Joe next returned home on leave, he proposed to Amy.

They were married at Govan Parish Church on May 9th, 1952, and the couple lived in the Belgian city of Antwerp for a further year before returning to Glasgow.

The couple are extremely popular with the pupils they see across the roads safely every day and both love their jobs.

Joe and Amy are proud parents of four, have nine grandchildren and are awaiting the birth of their first great grandchild in July this year.

The couple, who both love to travel, will be the toast of a special party arranged by their family later in the month before the couple head off on a luxury cruise.

When asked about the secret to their long and happy marriage, Amy said: “The key to our marriage was the fact we worked together as a team.

“It wasn’t always easy, especially when bringing up four children, but we never had any big arguments. We are in the marriage together and I always say you get out of it what you put in.”

Joe and Amy work for Cordia, the company set up by Glasgow City Council to provide services including crossing patrols.

Julia McCreadie, Cordia’s Head of Facilities Management, presented the lollipop-themed cake to the couple at Crookston Castle Primary School.

She said: “I would like to wish Joe and Amy all the best on this their diamond anniversary. The happy couple are incredibly popular with the pupils they see safely across the roads each day as well as their Cordia colleagues."

Glasgow City Council is also inviting couples who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this year to a civic reception in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Couples living in Glasgow, who married in 1952, have the chance to mark their anniversary at a special afternoon event on Thursday, June 14, in the City Chambers Banqueting Hall.

Only couples living in the city who married in 1952 can apply and must provide proof of marriage. Please contact the Lord Provost’s office on 0141 287 4001.

A council spokeswoman said: "It's wonderful to hear about our dedicated school crossing patrollers, Joe and Amy, who are celebrating a very special day.

"Sixty years is a significant milestone."