A select band
After 65 years of marriage Maureen and John Stephenson have joined a select band of people to receive congratulation cards from two British monarchs.
The South Shields’ couple received a card from the late Queen Elizabeth II to mark their diamond wedding anniversary in 2017.
And now they also have a card from King Charles III to congratulate them on their 65th anniversary on January 25.
“We celebrated at home with friends and family which was special and it was such a lovely surprise to receive a card from the new King,” said Maureen.
The couple, both 86, have known each other since being teenagers in nearby streets. John – known to family as Jackie – worked in local collieries for 38 years after leaving school, whilst Maureen worked at the local Harlow print works. They have four sons and three grandchildren.
Maureen says the success of the marriage is down to “years of bickering” with Jackie adding: “but we always make up.”
Traditionally sapphire denotes a 65th anniversary, however Maureen preferred a gold bracelet which Jackie bought here to celebrate the milestone.
The couple live in one of the Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association (DAMHA) properties in South Shields which are being recreated in Beamish Museum as part of a 1950s town.
“It’s just right for us, just the right size and all on one level,” said Maureen.
Though the couple have lived in South Shields all their lives, they have travelled far and wide over the years for holidays including the United States, Greek and Spanish Islands.
“We loved to go on holiday but then it was always nice to come home to South Shields,” said Maureen.
Maureen and John really are among a select band!
