A FAMILY from Prestonpans were set to celebrate a trio of special occasions during lockdown – all on the same day.

On Wednesday (July 1), Margaret and James Dudgeon celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, James’ brother Robbie and his wife Margaret their 60th wedding anniversary, and James and Robbie’s sister Rita Adams her 85th birthday.

James, Robbie and Rita were born and brought up in Prestonpans, on Gardiner Road, and still live near one another in the town.

James, 87, met Margaret, 84, who was brought up on Cockenzie’s Crown Square, near the site of the local power station, at the Wallyford Institute dancing in 1952, when Margaret was 16 and James was 19.

The pair married at Preston Parish Church (now Prestongrange) on July 1, 1955, with Robbie, the youngest of the three, playing the role of best man.

The couple have four daughters, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

This is not the pair’s first lockdown celebration, as James celebrated his 87th birthday in May.

Meanwhile, Robbie and Margaret, both 82, met at the Prestonpans Picturehouse but knew each other from school.

They married in Tranent Parish Church on July 1, 1960.

The pair have three children together, as well as eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

They planned to celebrate with their family in Morpeth, north of Newcastle.

They have enjoyed several holidays with James and Margaret during the past 40 years.

Rita was born on July 1, 1935.

She married her childhood sweetheart Freddie in Preston Parish Church in 1957, having five children together.

Sadly, Freddie died 26 years ago.

They have nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

James and Margaret’s daughter Linda Coull told the Courier that plans to mark the celebrations had not changed a lot as they were intending to have a garden party.

However, it will now have to be two separate parties with fewer people and socially distanced due to current lockdown regulations.

Rita has been shielding during lockdown so she was set to spend her birthday at home.

Linda said that marrying a lady called Margaret was typical of every male Dudgeon, as her uncle Eddie also married a woman with that name.

Both couples and Rita are all great friends.

Linda said: “Family is what’s the most important thing in their lives.”