Hamilton golden couple celebrate special anniversary

Mar 31 2008 By Carla Callaghan

Hamilton couple, Archie and Madalena are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year

The couple moved to Fairhill in 1967 and have spent the past 40 years supporting their local community through their tireless voluntary work.

Archie and Madalena have two children, Alyson (40) and Stephen, who sadly died at the age of 28.

The couple also have three granddaughters, who they adore.

Archie spent his working years as a Display Manager for the Morrison group, responsible for stores such as Graftons and John Temple. 

A keen fisherman, Archie was involved in the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers, he was also the secretary of Clyde and West Region of Sea Angling and was a founding member of the Hamilton and district Sea Angling Club, serving as secretary for over 20 years.

Madalena (maiden name, Cocozza) began voluntary work in 1975 as secretary to Fairhill Community Council Gala Committee.

In 1977, Madalena organised and ran the Jubilee Children’s Club, bringing together the talents of local children.

As well as caring for her son Stephen, who was profoundly handicapped, Madalena became frustrated with the lack of services for disabled people in Lanarkshire.

She joined a lobby group with other parents in 1986, resulting in securing funding to create the Aveyron Project in Burnbank, a specialised centre for students with mental and physical disabilities.

Now retired, Madalena continues to write and is currently working on a book about her childhood in Glasgow and has also written about poet Robert Burns called “For Love and Liberty.”

Meanwhile, Archie enjoys photography, water colour painting and  maintaining his pride and joy, the 16-foot cabin cruiser, Clyde Song.

Archie and Madalena’s family and friends would like to raise a toast to this wonderful couple.