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Archived list of Wedding Anniversaries

James & Nancy Cain

From the cricket fields of England to the city of Prague

When James and Nancy Cain of Dunstanburgh Court, Jarrow decided that they wanted to do something completely different to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary on 5 July, they came up with the idea of going on a family trip to Prague! Joined by their son James, daughter Ann, their two grandsons and great, great grandson, the couple had a wonderful time touring the historic city including a trip on an open top carriage. James said, “We wanted to do something really special with our family”.

Both James (74) and Nancy (78) were born and bred in Tantobie and had had family connections from childhood. It was when James was playing cricket for Tantobie cricket club and Nancy did the match day teas that, as James said, “I finally wore her down and she agreed to come to the pictures with me. The couple got married on 5 July 1958 and In October 1958, James was called up on national service.

The highlight of James’ 39years working at the collieries was when he became a movie star – featuring in a Coal Board film about the ladies football team that he started and managed.

On the subjects of family and marriage, James said, “I’m really lucky, we have a great family and I have a fantastic wife”.

Maurice & Catherine Smiles

A year of celebrations

Not only did Maurice and Catherine Smiles of Brandon Gardens in Wreckenton celebrate their Golden Anniversary on 21st June but they both also had their 70th birthdays this year (Catherine in March and Maurice in July) and, to complete a very significant and historic 2008, their daughter Carole is getting married later in the year.

The couple celebrated their anniversary with what Catherine described as, “a wonderful and very special” ten day trip to Alcudia in Majorca with their daughter Carole and her partner.

The couple, both from Birtley, met at the local pictures and were married at Lamesly Church in 1958 and as well as daughter Carole, Maurice and Catherine also have two sons, seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Catherine said, “we love this bungalow. We are really settled here and we have good neighbours. We have a quiet, comfortable life and enjoy being with our friends and family”.

Norman & Olive Thompson

I have often walked down this street before

When Norman and Olive Thompson hear the song “The Street Where You Live’ from My Fair Lady’ they have very tender memories when they hear the words “I have often walked down this street before”. It reminds them of the many times they walked along Edinburgh’s Princes Street during their three week stay there in August 1958 when were waiting to get married. The young couple, Norman was 20 and Olive was 17, had eloped to Scotland. Olive said, “my dad was very strict, so we decided to go to Scotland and have a quiet, private wedding: just the two of us with Norman’s friend as best man and the lady who ran the guesthouse where we were staying as my bridesmaid”. They have never looked back since that romantic start of their married life.

Norman (70) and Olive (67) who moved to their home in Witton Gilbert just before Christmas, threw an outdoor anniversary party for around 40 guests. Their family, daughter Tracy, son Graham and four grandchildren, and their friends and neighbours joined them.

Norman, a keen Sunderland supporter and fisherman and Olive who has a talent for knitting dolls, plan to take a Caribbean trip later this year.

Kenneth & Patricia High

A sunny start to a happy marriage

Patricia High has fond memories of the beautiful sunny Sunday at South Shields Fair where she met Kenneth. “In those days there was a walkway with the girls walking one way and the boys walking the other. We would have a bit of a chit chat and occasionally, one of the boys might have a bit of a whistle”, said Patricia.

The couple were married at South Shields Registry Office on July 28th 1958, when Kenneth was home on leave from the army. They have two daughters, Patricia and Judith and six grandchildren, four boys and twin girls.

Kenneth (69) and Patricia (69) used to take the children camping and caravanning. Since the children have grown up, they have travelled widely. Singapore was a favourite destination.

Patricia has recently finished a cross-stich piece featuring Dunstanburgh Castle. “I live in Dustanburgh Court so I thought that it would be nice to have a view of Dustanburgh Castle”, said Patricia. “ We love it here”, she said, “it’s a beautiful home with everything at hand and we have really good neighbours, the best ever”.

Raymond & Louie Wilkinson

From Blackpool with love

When Raymond and Louie Wilkinson met on holiday in Blackpool 62 years ago, they were amazed to discover that they lived just one street away from each other back home in Hetton Le Hole. So, it was fitting that they celebrated their diamond anniversary by revisiting Blackpool this springtime where they stayed at the Metropole Hotel for a week.

The couple, who were married at the Lowther Memorial Hall at Hetton le Hole on 20th March, 1948, have two daughters and one son, four grand children and two great grand children.

Raymond, 84, and Louie, 80, have lived in Stockton Road in Seaham now for over 18 years and, although they have seen many changes, they still love living there.

Raymond & Louie Wilkinson

Raymond & Audrey Bell

A magical mystery tour

Raymond and Audrey Bell knew that there was something afoot when their daughter Yvonne and granddaughter Danielle told them that a taxi would call for them on Saturday the 5th of April at precisely 11am. They were then taken to Durham station and took their reserved seats on the train where they were served with champagne before arriving at York to celebrate their diamond anniversary. “We had no idea where we were going” said Mr Bell; “they took us completely by surprise”. He added, “we had a wonderful day in York including a meal at a lovely restaurant and we didn’t set off for home until 6pm”. The couple were joined by Yvonne and Danielle’s partners, their niece from Peterborough and their niece from London.

Mr and Mrs Bell met at a Valentine’s Day dance at the Oxford in Newcastle when they were teenagers and have been devoted to each other since.

Raymond was a magistrate for 26 years, until he reached 70, and Audrey has been an active member of the WRVS and is a regular visitor to the University Hospital in Durham where she helps out in the shop. She keeps fit by attending an aerobics class at the local community hall twice a week. Raymond’s gets his exercise walking his daughter's dog Suki.

The couple, who were married in St Thomas’s Parish Church in Craghead have lived in Carrside for the last six years and Raymond says, “We are very happy here. They are lovely bungalows”.

Raymond & Audrey Bell

Alan & Ruth Hepplewhite

Give a bit - take a bit, the secret of a long and happy marriage

Alan and Ruth Hepplewhite from Marsden Road, South Shields celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on 1st March with a special party at the George Washington Hotel. They were joined by their family and by over 20 other guests from all around the country. Later in the month, they took a romantic break in Newquay – one of their favourite holiday locations.

It was Ruth’s first visit to the local dancehall in South Shield’s when fate took its course and she met her future husband Alan. The couple were married at St Peter’s Church in Harton and spent most of their married lives in South Shields, but moved to Northumberland for 20 years when Mr Hepplewhite worked as a gardener and handyman for the local gentry. Alan 72, who also worked as a miner, still takes great pleasure in gardening and grows his own vegetables including tomatoes and peppers.

Mrs Hepplewhite, 68, a former doctor’s receptionist said the secret of a long and happy marriage is tolerance. Alan added: “you have to give a bit - take a bit.”

Later this year, Alan & Ruth will embark on their 6th touring holiday in the USA.

Alan & Ruth Hepplewhite

Colin & Lillian Ross

A bit of The Good Life

It was a touch of ‘La Dolce Vita’ when Colin and Lillian Ross held a family party at their local Italian restaurant, on 28th December, with their family and friends to mark fifty years of happy marriage. The couple then completed the celebration with a glorious two-week holiday in Tenerife.

Colin, 69, an ex-miner and Lillian, 70, are avid gardeners and have been so successful in growing their own vegetables and fruit in their back garden and allotment that their friends and family often refer to them as ‘Tom and Barbara’ from the sitcom ‘The Good Life’.

They met in a cinema queue where Colin was trying to push in and was given a good telling off by Lillian. But things must have improved because they went on to get married at Cox Lodge Methodist Chapel.

The couple have one daughter, two grandchildren and a beautiful new great grand daughter Evie.

They really love their house at Stella, Blaydon, particularly the garden and allotment.

Colin & Lillian Ross

Walter & Joyce Laing

All together now

Walter and Joyce Laing of Adair Terrace in Chopwell had an open house celebration for all their family, neighbours and friends to mark their golden anniversary on 22nd March.

The couple met at a dance in Rowlands Gill where Joyce was swept off her feet by the keen dancer Walter. They were subsequently married at St Barnabas Church in Rowlands Gill.

About seven years ago, Mr and Mrs Laing chose to live in Chopwell to be close to their family.

Walter, 79, and Joyce, 72, have two daughters, two grandsons and one grand daughter who all live nearby.

“We love living here”, said Joyce, “it’s nice and quiet, we have really good neighbours and it’s wonderful to be near to our family”.

Walter & Joyce Laing

Joseph & Mary Cockburn
60 years since they scored at the football ground

Joe and Mary Cockburn, of Aged Miners Homes, Peacehaven, met when they were both out with their friends at the Ferryhill Athletic football ground. “We started chatting and just clicked”, said Mary, “..and we haven't stopped talking since”.

Joe and Mary celebrated their diamond anniversary in style at The Honest Lawyer Hotel in Croxdale along with their two sons, Malcolm and Peter and their families.

Joe who worked as a painter and decorator at Chilton Colliery and Tursdale Workshops, used to like going to the races and having a bet. “I always won”, said Joe, I used to really enjoy it”. He also worked a lot of overtime to ensure that he and Mary had good holidays, both in England and abroad. Their travels took them to Spain, Malta and the Canary Islands. “But Jersey was our favourite place to visit. We love going back there”, said Mary.

Mr and Mrs Cockburn, who married in Stockton registry office on 20 July, 1947, have lived in Peacehaven for over eleven years. “We must bet doing something right”, said Joe, “...to have been so happy together for all these years”.

Peter & Mary Conlin
In tune with each other

It was open house at Peter and Mary Conlin ‘s home in Coniston Court, Westfields in Stanley when they celebrated their golden anniversary on 28th September 2007. They also had a family dinner at Peggy's Wicket, near Pelton with their daughter Lisa, grand daughters Emma and Nicola, great grand children Liam and Ryan and Mary's two sisters and her brother.

Mary, one of a family of nine, met Peter at a Sunday-night dance in Byermoor and they courted for five years before they got married at Brooms Church, Leadgate.

Peter, 75, worked as a brake lining fitter in Newcastle and as a machine operator at a ball-bearing factory at Annfield Plain. Mary, 76, was a bus conductress in Consett when they were married.

Peter, who is now registered blind, has been singing in the Annfield Plain ‘Gleemen' male voice choir for over 44 years. Mary travels with Peter with the Gleemen who perform a varied repertoire of sacred and secular music in places as far afield as Germany and the famous National Eisteddfod in Wales. They also perform two concerts locally each year, in Summer and at Christmas.

Bob & Gladys Kinson
Seventy wonderful years

Childhood sweethearts Bob and Gladys Kinson, of Marsden Road in South Shields, met when they were 14 years old and still at school, and, with the exception of the time when Bob served at sea during the war, they were never apart for 70 years! It was when Bob was home on leave during 1942 that he told Gladys about how his ship had been torpedoed and, as a result, she decided that they would get married before Bob went back to sea, “… just in case you don’t come back this time”, she said. They got married in St Michael’s Church in South Shields on 2nd of May 1942. Bob did return safe and sound after the war and they settled down to enjoy a long and happy marriage.

Bob and Gladys decided to celebrate their 65th anniversary quietly at home with their family because Gladys wasn’t well. Sadly, Gladys passed away on 7th June. Bob said, “We had a precious month together after the anniversary. Gladys didn’t complain, but she never did. She used to joke sometimes and say “everything would be fine if only I had a new pair of legs””. Bob said, “Throughout our married life Gladys only thought about the children and me”. Bob and their children Bob and Patricia and their grandchildren David and Ian dearly miss her.

Gladys will be remembered for her voluntary work with the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. Bob has also been involved in charitable work for over 50 years with the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB)

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George & Mary Monaghan
Cruising all the way to gold

George and Mary Monaghan of Coquet Close, Peterlee really pushed the boat out for their golden anniversary celebrations. They started by having a grand night out with family and friends at the Half Moon at Easington before they set out on a cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. The highlight of the trip was a romantic champagne dinner on the 25th of May, the evening of their anniversary, in the perfect setting of the Aegean Sea. Then, when they returned home, their family threw another party just to make sure that their golden day had been well and truly commemorated.

George (67) and Mary (69) met at a dance at the Vic in Horden and it must of been an omen of their ocean-bound anniversary celebration that they were married at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Horden. They have one son Anthony, two daughters Paula and Lisa, and seven grandchildren. Mary likes a game of bingo and George used to be a keen gardener said, “our main hobby now is babysitting. We just love to spend as much time as we can with our family”.

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Ron & Mary Sugden at the tanner hop

Ron and Mary Sugden celebrated their diamond anniversary with their family, (sons Ronnie and Derek and daughter Maureen, and their children), at a special dinner in the elegant surroundings of Hallgarth Manor Hotel in Pittington.

Their anniversary was on Thursday 29th March but they had the dinner on Sunday 1st April so that they could get everyone together. Mary said, “We had a big do for our Golden Anniversary so we decided to have quiet one this time”.

Mary (80) Ron (84) met at the dance hall at Easington Lane. Mary said, “ I loved dancing and went regularly to what we used to call it the ‘tanner hop’. A very dear friend introduced us. I remember we did the barn dance because I think that was the only dance Ron could do”. Mary was from Easington and Ron was from Murton and they were married in Easington Lane during that infamously cold winter. Mary said, “There was so much snow, Ron’s mother had to pay some kids to clear it so we could get to the church”.

Ron and Mary have lived at their DAMHA home in Murton since 1984 and Mary is a frequent visitor to nearby Clark House where she helps out and makes tea for the residents.

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Stanley & Joan Harper: fifty-three years after a certain little lady came by

Stanley and Joan Harper’s family treated them to a splendid night at the tranquil Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel before the family joined them the next day on their golden anniversary of 9th March for a celebration dinner in the hotel’s Wedgewood Restaurant. Stanley said “It was a beautiful way to celebrate, it was extra special. The hotel was brilliant. Joan used to work with Allan Bradley, the hotel owner, at the Half Moon Inn at Easington and he made sure that everything was just right”.

Stanley (75) and Joan (71) have two sons, a daughter, five grandchildren and one great-grand daughter.

Before they met, Stanley and Joan lived near each other in Easington. Stanley, who started at the pit when he was 14 and was working underground at 16, spending 30 years as a face worker, tells the story of how he and his mates used to get together on a particular corner before going out for a drink. He had often seen a girl pass by and he was determined to get to know her. He did and the rest is, as they say, history. They courted for three years and had a big wedding with over 200 guests at the reception in the colliery club.

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Derek & Maureen Bell: a romantic night in the castle

Derek and Maureen Bell celebrated their diamond anniversary in regal style on 23rd March. The couple had a romantic night at the elegant Lumley Castle with a candlelit dinner for two and stayed in a luxury room, complete with a four-poster bed and magnificent views of the surrounding parkland. And, to top it all, they are off on a tour of the Mediterranean on a luxury cruise in May!

Maureen said, “The night at Lumley Castle was an wonderful surprise. Our family, (daughter Gaynor and sons Craig and Glen), had organised it in secret. We couldn’t all get together because Gaynor now lives in Australia so they decided that they would organise something special to mark the occasion”. Derek and Maureen have five grandchildren.

The couple who are both now 70, met at the dance hall at Wheatley Hill when they were only 15 and they continued dancing until Derek suffered a stroke. They married at St Cuthbert’s Church in Shotton and moved into their bungalow in Redesdale Court in Peterlee two years ago. after living nearby for over 29 years.

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Elsie and Ernest Franks - A wonderful winter wedding

It was one of the coldest winters of the twentieth century when Ernest Franks came home to Horden from Finland, on leave from the merchant navy, to marry Elsie Cummins. Their families were already good friends when the couple met and, after a short courtship, decided to brave the weather and get married during that freezing January in 1947. Sixty years later, they celebrated their diamond wedding with a champagne dinner with their family at Chimneys Restaurant in Blackhall.

Elsie and Ernest (both 82), who both came to Horden from Durham when they were children, (Elsie was 7 and Ernest was 10), have lived in the village for all of their adult lives. And they moved into St Mary’s Court, Horden, three years ago when the development was first built. "We have been very happy here", said Ernest, "Not least because we now live just behind the church where we were married" - a constant reminder of their special day!

They have one daughter, Linda and a son Jeffrey who, in turn, both have a son and a daughter each.

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Mr & Mrs Fowler - living in tandem for 60 years

Lilley, (80), and Geoff Fowler, (83), from Ryehill Gardens in Hartlepool, celebrated their diamond anniversary with their daughter Sandra and her husband Dean on a day trip to the beautiful Northumberland fishing village of Craster. Lilley said, "it was straight out of a picture book with its colourful fishing boats and a pretty little harbour. We had a good look around the village then bought some Craster kippers before having a nice lunch at The Fisherman’s Arms".

The Fowlers have always liked to visit local beauty spots and places of interest and used to tour the region on a tandem after they were first married at St Oswald’s Church in Hartlepool on 12th September 1946.

The couple met at the local Rink. They soon found that they had a lot in common and have had an active life ever since. As well as cycling, they both played bowls (indoor and outdoor) for over 30 years. Lillie was also a keen swimmer and Geoff kept an allotment for over 50 years. Since recently giving up his allotment Geoff concentrates his energies on his garden. They still have a bike, but, Lilley said, "we don’t use it much nowadays".

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Mr & Mrs Chapman - a week-long party

Freda, (80), and Fred, (85), Chapman of Middlestone Moor couldn’t get their local community hall to celebrate their diamond anniversary on 27th July 2006, so they held their party there on the 22nd instead. "We needed the hall", said Freda, "we had 60 guests including our family, friends, neighbours and past workmates". And the celebrations continued the following week when the Chapmans met the Mayor of Sedgefield and the Mayor of Spennymoor Council, and had photos taken with them. Another highlight was receiving an anniversary card from the Queen. Freda said "we had a photo taken with the postman when he delivered the card and he has it on his wall at work".

The couple met on a blind date organized by the husband of Freda’s friend who was also a workmate of Fred’s. They married at St Lukes, Ferryhill and have two sons, one daughter, five grandsons and one great granddaughter.

Freda is fond of quoting the old saying "If you change your name and not your letter you may marry for the worse not the better". But its obvious after 60 years that Mr and Mrs F Chapman have proved the saying wrong.

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Mr & Mrs Westgarth - a sparkling couple

A sparkling couple celebrated 60 years of married bliss on 28th September 2006. Lily and George Westgarth held a party for family and friends to celebrate their diamond wedding. The Hetton couple who tied the knot in Union Street Methodist Chapel, were teenage sweethearts and have had a long and happy marriage. Lily, (79), and George, (81), live at Four Lane Ends and have two children, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Their daughter, Anne, 52, said: "They have had a really happy life together. They are still very loving towards each other, but argue every day, which I think keeps them going." George, a former colliery blacksmith, is well known in the area as an artist and sculptor and has many exhibitions of his work. However, because of failing eyesight, George no longer paints, but he and Lily. who worked as a civil servant, still try to get out and about together as much as possible.

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Mr & Mrs Blacklock - just the ticket

Alice and Les Blacklock, of Adair Terrace in Chopwell, celebrated 60 years of happy marriage with over 100 family and friends on 10 August 2006.

It was love at first sight when Les took a bus ride on Newcastle’s Scotswood Road after a win at the races. It turned out to be his lucky day, in more ways than one, when conductress Alice let him off with his ticket. He knew that Alice was the girl for him. So Les, a gifted musician decided to go straight to the music shop and use his winnings to buy the new guitar that he wanted because he new that it would be a while before he could spend so much on his hobby.

Les, who worked at Greenside Pit, then later at Marley Hill, can play a whole range of instruments and his lifelong interest in music included playing the accordion with the Billy Bell Dance Band for many years.

Alice, 80, and Les, 85, have one daughter, Lesley and a son Peter, plus 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

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Mr & Mrs Gibson - a true romance

Freda, (70), and Ronnie, (75), Gibson of John Wilson Court, Horden celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a special Chinese banquet with their family at their favourite restaurant in Seaburn on 28th July 2006.

As a young man, in the early 1950s, Ronnie lived with his parents in Third Street which was partially built over to create John Wilson Court, where the Gibsons now live. At that time, Freda worked at the local grocery store, just around the corner. The other two girls who worked in the shop realised that Freda and Ronnie needed a helping hand if they were going to get together so, they devised ways of making sure that they met as often as possible in the shop when Ronnie was on his way to work at Horden Pit. Eventually, Ronnie did ask Freda out and the rest is, as they say, history.

They were married at St Mary’s Church in Horden when Freda was only 16 and Ronnie was 24. They have a son David, daughters Julie and Janette, three grandsons, two granddaughters, one great grandson and one great granddaughter.

Freda said "we have had our ups and downs", not least of all Ronnie suffering a pit accident that resulted in him losing a leg when he was only 34. But, as Freda said, "He never complains. He doesn’t use a stick and its never stopped him just getting on with things".

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John & Elizabeth Ethel Bowes

A special anniversary for a special couple

Celebrating seventy years of marriage is a wonderfuloccasion, and as John and Elizabeth Ethel Bowes' daughter Marjorie Stevens sais about her parents platinum anniversary "It was a special occasion for a very special couple."

John and Elizabeth, who live at Wheatly Hill, held an "open house" party on 13th June with family, friends and neighbours visiting throughout the day.

They have 3 children: John, their eldest and daughters Marjorie and Dorothy. They also have 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

John (94) and Elizabeth Ethel (88), met at the fair at Thornley and got married at their local Methodist Chapel in 1936.

John worked down the mines until an accident on 1948 when he lost his sight and Elizabeth cared for him ever since. He loves brass band music and played cornet in Wheatly Hill Brass Band. The band played at local events including the Durham Big Meeting and took part in local and national competitions.

Daughter Marjorie said "They are a devoted couple and they adore their family and we visit them every day."

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Dennis and Doreen Pedelty

60 Marvellous years

Doreen and Dennis Pedalty were just seventeen when they met at a dance in South Church where, said Doreen, " a few of us used to go around together and we eventually paired off". Three years later, on 8th of June 1946, they married at St Wilfred's Church in Bishop Auckland, and that was the beginning of what Mrs Pedelty describes as "a marvellous marriage, we have helped each other in every way we could".

Sadly, Dennis had a stroke in May but they were determined to celebrate their Diamond Anniversary with their family. So, they had a party in Bishop Auckland Hospital where Dennis was being cared for. Their daughter Jean Brunskill, her husband Keith and their 8 year old grandson Mark joined Doreen and Dennis and the nursing staff, who Doreen said were "wonderful", for cake and wine. Dennis was already making progress and keeps on improving.

Dennis worked in the Coal Board transport department from 16 years old right up until his retirement and during the war, Doreen worked in the office of the Navel Department Munitions factory at Newton Aycliffe.

The couple have lived in DAMHA homes for over 20 years.

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Fred and Freda Chapman

It started with a blind date

Fred and Freda Chapman met on a blind date, hit it off immediately, got married (at St Luke's, Ferryhill on 27 July, 1946), brought up a family together and have just celebrated their Diamond Anniversary in style. In Freda's words "like everybody else, we have had our ups and downs but we got here anyway".

Fred (85) and Freda (80), have two sons, Terry and Paul, and a daughter, Margaret as well as 5 grandsons. They are delighted that they now have a great-granddaughter too. "Our best anniversary present" said Freda.

John worked at Fishburn Colliery for 46 years and Freda worked at the NAFFI during the war and then at munitions factories after the war.

They held their anniversary party in July with 60 guests, including family and friends, at Middleton View Community Hall, complete with music, entertainment and a bar.

Freda is the resident's representative for the Middlestone Moor.

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Dick and Lily Pears

Dancing partners for 60 years

Lily and Dick Pears first met at the Elite Ballroom in Crook, when Dick crossed a crowded room to ask Lily to dance. Lily remembers, "We used to go there nearly every night. The Boys sat on one side of the ballroom and the girls sat on the opposite side and the boys would have to cross the room to ask you to dance".

They were married at St Catherine's Church in Crook on 30 March 1946. Dick was a miner all of his working life, starting off at Brancepeth Pit at Willington and finishing up at Bearpark where Lily's dad had worked.

The Pears have lived at DAMHA homes for 16 years, at Metal Bridge for 12 years and West Cornforth for 4 years where Mrs Pears said " the people are very friendly". Lily describes there married life together as "an ordinary life with its ups and downs, taking care of each other and bringing up a family". Mr & Mrs Pears have 2 sons, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who helped them to celebrate their anniversary at home. Their neighbours also joined in the celebrations with wine and cakes.

Apart from dancing, Lily and Dick have enjoyed bowls and walking. They had a caravan at Scarborough for a lot of years and still drive up to the Dales to enjoy the countryside.

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John and Margaret Hagan

An old-fashioned romance

Margaret and John met at the Winlaton Hoppings. They were both with friends. Margaret, who lived at Ryton, was 15 and John, from Winlaton, was 19. "We just bumped into each other" said John. "We courted for six or seven years the good old fashioned way". They were married at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Blaydon on 24 March 1956.

Margaret was in poor health during March of this year and didn't feel up to a big celebration. They did however receive a blessing from Father Phillips at St Thomas Aquinas Church in Stella, attended by friends.

Their neighbours insisted on celebrating the event and Mrs Shirley McElvanny baked them a lovely cake and friends and neighbours from the Stella Aged Miners Homes came round for a party that evening. They had wine and cakes - "such a lovely night" said Margaret.

Mr & Mrs Hagen have lived at Stella Miners' homes for 14 years. They have two sons and one daughter and 8 granddaughters and one grandson.