PERSEVERANCE has been a running theme throughout the life of Jack Waring, a son of St Helens who now enjoys a millionaire-style existence in California.

The first matrimonial home of Jack and his wife Eva, in 1948, was a modest dwelling called Perseverance Cottage, built in St Helens by his great-grandad in 1878.

Taking his cue from that title, Jack eventually set off to seek a new life in America with his wife.

The dictionary definition for perseverance is: 'The steadfast pursuit of an objective.' And the former Sidac worker applied himself to the full, eventually rising to become a director of the world-renowned Douglas Aerospace.

And now, Jack and Eva's magnificent retirement home, built last year by their architect-builder son, Clive, has been proudly entitled Perseverance Cottage II.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Malibu Canyon, on the outskirts of Los Angeles, it is conservatively valued at three-quarters of a million pounds upwards.

One of the guests at the couple's golden wedding celebration last month was Barry Webb (51) who, after a variety of local jobs, also left his native St Helens and has worked for the past 10 years in America.

Barry's chance meeting with the Waring couple's son, Clive, in a services club over there, led to his being introduced to Jack and Eva. And to becoming a guest at their 50th anniversary celebrations.

Coincidentally, Barry also works for a leading air company, Boeing, as a tool maintenance engineer.

He's currently on holiday in St Helens, staying at his parents' home in Caldy Grove, Blackbrook, and kindly contacted me with news of the fabulous anniversary celebration of Jack and Eva, who also have a daughter, Julie, now a successful artist.

Jack is related to the legendary local Waring family who were once leading store owners in the Parr and St Helens areas (dealing in, among other things, bicycles and TV sets). They were also extremely prominent in local political circles.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.