The Mayor of Ferryhill Councillor Dave Farry made a surprise visit on 22 March to Eric and Betty from Ferryhill and presented them with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a crystal tumbler to celebrate their Platinum Wedding Anniversary.
They were married at Whitworth Church Page Bank on 22 March 1952.
Eric was born in Barnsley but moved to Paige Bank when his dad gained employment at the pit. Betty was born in Cornforth Lane.
They met at Paige Bank School when they were both 7 years old. Eric left school at the age of 14 and started at Whitworth Park Colliery in 1946, moving to Tursdale workshops for 10 years until he was made redundant.
Betty started work at Semens Factory in Spennymoor when she left school at 14. She was only there a short time as she moved to Leeds to work as a home help, returning home at 18 to work at The Broadway Café in Spennymoor.
After their marriage they lived at School Row, Paige Bank until their house was flooded, moving to Weardale Street in Spennymoor for 10 years. They then lived at Barrington Terrace Ferryhill for 42 years before moving to their current home in Stanhope Close 14 years ago.
They have 2 sons Alan and Kevan, I daughter Nadine, 10 grand children, 16 great grand children and 2 great great grand children.
In earlier times Eric was an excellent dart player winning may competitions. He was in the News of The World final in Crystal Palace in 1965 and has been Durham County Champion many many times.
Betty loved dancing and bingo and was rocking and rolling until Covid came along. They both loved their holidays especially coach holidays.
They have a great number of friends and were regulars at Ferryhill Station Club and the Catholic Club.
The spritely couple held an open house to celebrate their wonderful occasion and were surrounded by family and friends receiving 45 cards including one from the Queen congratulating them on 70 years together.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
