Ex-pats mark diamond wedding anniversary

Jim and Teresa Allen tied the knot at First Larne Presbyterian Church on March 31, 1952, in what is thought to have been one of the largest weddings in the town.

Jim’s sister Anna Beggs, who still lives in Larne, told the Times: “There was about 90 people at the ceremony, but it was a public holiday and so half the town turned out to watch out of curiosity.”

Jim, originally from Glynn, worked as a joiner while Teresa (nee Stewart), a native of Larne, was employed at Pye telecommunications in the town.

The couple had their first three children in Northern Ireland before emigrating to Australia in 1957 to live near one of Jim’s other sisters.

They settled in Brisbane and both ended up working at the same university, with Jim employed as a tutor and Teresa working as a tea lady. Jim and Teresa went on to have another two children, as well as 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Anna added: “I received correspondence from Jim and Teresa telling me that they had been sent a letter and a photo from the Queen congratulating them on their diamond wedding anniversary, which they were delighted about. They also received a letter from the Australian Prime Minister.

“I have travelled over to visit them a number of times and they are really happy with the lives they have made for themselves in Australia.”