On Friday 11th August, Councillor Peter Atkinson made a surprise visit to a lovely couple, Len and Rita Toas as they celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary.
As a longstanding Town Councillor, Peter was on hand to stand in for the Mayor of Ferryhill to make a presentation. Rita was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and Len with a whisky tumbler on behalf of Ferryhill Town Council.
Rita was born at Mainsforth Row and Len lived in Spennymoor. The couple met when Rita was working at Doggart’s in Spennymoor and Len was working on a farm and delivering milk on his pony and trap. They were married on 5th August 1953 at Bishop Auckland Registry Office.
Once married, they moved into a farm cottage at Whitworth before moving to Mainsforth Row and finally settling in their current home in Stanhope Close, where they have lived for 20 years. The couple have two sons, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Len has enjoyed farming for over 60 years and continues to do so. Rita used to enjoy dancing and was an active member and president of Mainsforth WI. Every year on their anniversary the couple would visit Scotland, however this year they celebrated their 70th Wedding anniversary with a family barbeque at their son’s home.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
