Provost congratulates couple on Diamond Anniversary

Provost Anthea Dickson has helped an Irvine couple to celebrate 60 years of marriage.

Catherine and Mathias Chow exchanged vows 60 years ago on 18 June,1966, after meeting in Singapore - where her father was posted with the British Army.

They had friends in common, and started dating after spending time together at a wedding.

Provost Dickson said: “Mr and Mrs Chow shared some lovely stories and memories with me when I visited them, and it was an honour to present them with some flowers and a card to congratulate them on 60 years of marriage.

“They told me that while they were in Singapore, family and friends were going out on a boating trip. The boat’s engine stopped and they couldn’t get it to restart.

“They had no communication or way to get help and without hesitation, Mathias – who was a lifeguard back then - dived off the boat and swam to the shore some distance away to raise the alarm and get help.

“It was only after a successful recovery that they learned he had actually swum though shark-infested waters!”

Catherine and her family had to return home at the end of the posting, and she kept in touch with Mathias by writing letters.

Mathias sent Catherine an engagement ring embedded in a book and later left his job and family in Singapore to move to Scotland.

They married in 1966, raised a family in Drumchapel and then moved to Irvine, following other members of Catherine’s family who had relocated to the New Town.

Provost Dickson added: “Thanks to a chance posting to a country at the other side of the world, the Chows built an enduring, loving relationship and a strong family here in Scotland.

“I wish them every happiness as they celebrate six decades together.”

The Diamond Wedding couple were married in Glasgow and have two children and five grandchildren.

“It was lovely to welcome Provost Dickson to our home as part of our Diamond Wedding celebrations, and we would like to thank her for the lovely gifts,” Catherine said.

Published: 30 June 2026