The deputy mayor of Shildon, councillor Matthew Burdess, visited the home of Alex and Mabel Ellison on Tuesday 10th March, to celebrate their Platinum Anniversary.
Alex was born in Garbutt Street and Mabel in Southland Gardens, and both attended the Council School.
Alex said, “The first time I saw Mabel was in my grandmother’s house in Garbutt Street, and I said – I am going to marry that girl”.
His wish came true when they wed at St. John’s Church 70 years ago, on 10th March 1945.
Alex left school at 14 years-old and went down the mines at Dawdon, working at the same pit as his father. In 1935, when he was 18, he joined the Army, serving for over 10 years. It was whilst home on leave in 1944 that he started courting Mabel.
He returned to mining after leaving the service, altogether spending 36 years in the coal industry, before spending 18 years at Eaton Axles in Newton Aycliffe until he retired.
Mabel also left school at 14 and started work at the Leather Factory in St. Helen’s. When she was 18 she became an Aycliffe Angel, working at the munitions factory as a Chief Inspector of Arms until its closure in 1945, when she went back to the Leather Factory.
After marriage, the couple lived in Iley Street, then John Street, before moving to their current home in Association Street in 2001.
The lovely couple have a son, David and two daughters Christine and Kathleen. They have five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
In earlier times they both loved walking and taking holidays, especially cruises.
Mabel was 90 on 20th February and she still likes going to the film club every month at St. John’s Church. Alex will be 98 on 1st September and their daughter, Christine, married her husband Clyde on Alex’s 95th birthday.
The sprightly couple celebrated their wonderful occasion with a party for family and friends at Elm Road Club.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
