70 years of marriage

A couple whose eyes first met across a crowded dancefloor in Blackhall have celebrated 70 years of marriage.

As part of their celebration, Dennis and Mary Hart returned to St Andrews Church and recreated a photograph taken on their wedding day of 29th January 1955 outside the arched wooden doors.

On that day the wedding feast was held at the local working men’s club. To celebrate the diamond wedding family and friends – including one who travelled from Australia – gathered at the nearby Raby Arms.

Mary recalled how the couple first met at the dance hall as 17-year-olds, began courting and were married three years later.

“Dennis was a good dancer and a good-looking lad in those days, he still is today,” said Mary.

They’ve lived all their lives in County Durham including recent years in a DAMHA bungalow in Blackhall Colliery. We were delighted to send flowers and best wishes to the couple at their home which was filled with congratulation cards including one from the King and Queen.

Seventy years on Dennis has no regrets, without hesitation he raised both thumbs and said with a smile: “I would do it all again.”

Dennis and Mary, who two children, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren, are happy to share their secret of a long and happy marriage, which is: “Don’t believe anyone who says they’ve never had a cross word. We have, but then we’ve always made up so that’s what the secret is.”