Ferryhill couple Ernest and Rita Shaw celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday 5th July – 60 years after tying the knot at Stockton Registry Office.
Ernie was born in East Howle while Rita is from Middlestone Moor. The couple both moved to Ferryhill when they were young and attended Broom School a year apart. They only met when Rita visited the doctor’s surgery in Ferryhill Village after she stood on a nail and Ernie eyed her up!
After leaving school Ernie, 78, attended Bishop Auckland College and then obtained an electrical apprenticeship at Mainsforth Colliery. He later worked at Union Carbide and Optilon Ltd before he retired.
Rita spent five years at Ferryhill Clothing factory after leaving school and later worked at Liptons, the Co-op and Ferryhill Leisure Centre.
The lovely couple have four children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom live locally. Ernie and Rita celebrated their very special occasion with a party at the Poacher’s Pocket, surrounded by all the family.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
