Wedding Anniversaries

Mr & Mrs Clennell 13 July 2010

Joseph Clennell was walking home in Stanley with one of his mates one evening when he first met Alaine. Alaine, who was born in the aptly named Happy-Land, was also walking home with two of her friends on the other side of the road. They stopped and chatted for a while and Joseph asked Alaine if they could meet again. They did. Alaine worked in a chemist's shop in Stanley and Joseph met her after work later that week and they have been inseparable ever since.

The couple, both from Salvationist families, were married at Stanley Salvation Army Citadel. They have two daughters, Susan and Sonia, three grandchildren, two boys and a girl, and a great granddaughter, Lauren-Neve.

The couple celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in style. Joseph said, "We aren't party people so we decided to go away for a holiday at the Isle of Wight". He said, "We had been there before and decided that it would be an ideal place to celebrate our 50 years together".

Joseph, (69) and Alaine, (68), like their holidays, both abroad and in this country. They also enjoy outings in their car and caring for their garden and home in Stanley.

Joseph, who worked in the mines for 28 years said, "We are both Geminis and we like the same things and do everything together. If I had my life over, I know that Alaine would be the only one for me".

Mr & Mrs Brown 23 July 2010

Leslie, (71) and Margaret, (69) Brown held an open-house with their family, friends and neighbours to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. This was followed by a family meal at the famous Seaton Lane Inn with their sons, Peter and Leslie and their families.

The couple met out walking one Sunday at Blackhall Rocks at Crimdon Dene, which was a very popular resort and was in its heyday then. They continued to meet at the local dances on a Saturday night. The romance blossomed and they marred at St Andrew's Church at Easington.

Leslie worked in the mines for over 34 years, at Shotton and then Easington Collieries. Margaret worked as a secretary at AEI in Hartlepool before and during the early years of their marriage. She later worked at Haswell Pharmacy for 17 years until retirement at 60.

Leslie and Margaret enjoy their holidays abroad. Last year they visited Benidorm, where their son Peter has a holiday home. "We used to like racing on Saturday evenings", said Leslie, "but we haven't been for a while now". Margaret also goes to the coffee evenings at her local church.

The couple have lived at their home at Fleming Field for seven years now and enjoy living in such a friendly street.

Leslie said, "I know that I could never get another one as good as Margaret, and I am a very lucky man".

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