Two couples at a Hale Barns care home have celebrated 75 and 60 years of marriage.
Residents and staff at Care UK's Halecroft Grange, on Hale Road, joined Mary and Peter Gammon for their 75th anniversary and Richard and Christine Watson for their 60th. There were balloons, flowers, cards and a cake made by the home’s head chef.
Mary, 98, from Gateshead, and Peter, 97, from Newark, met at the Oxford Galleries dance hall in Newcastle and married at St Chad’s Church in Gateshead. They later lived in Nottingham and Ireland, raised three children, and now have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Mary and Peter said: “We loved the whole day, especially being able to celebrate with our children. The cake was amazing; having our wedding picture on the top was a lovely touch.”
Their secret after more than seven decades? “Being supportive.”
Richard, 82, and Christine, 83, both grew up in Dewsbury. They met at neighbouring boys’ and girls’ schools and bonded over dancing. Christine’s first impression of Richard was that he was “alright”. Richard said he “quite fancied” her.
They married in Dewsbury and raised three children. Richard worked as an electrical engineer; Christine taught in primary schools.
They said the day was “a wonderful surprise” and their advice was: “Compromise. Love each other always and stay together.”
Home manager Suzanna Sumegi said: “Reaching 75 and 60 years of marriage are extraordinary achievements. Anyone who spends time with these couples can see they still love each other to this day.”
