John (Jack) and Gladys Garnett, formerly of Moule Close and now Oakfield, reached a special day in their life together with the arrival of their 60th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday 27th March 2014.
Jack from Coundon and Gladys from Ferryhill met at a Dance at Mainsforth and their first date was at one of the three cinemas in Ferryhill.
At that time Gladys worked in the office of Howards Drapers Store in Bishop Auckland. Jack was an apprentice Profile Burner at Shildon Railway Shops.
They moved to Newton Aycliffe when Jack took a job with UMM where he worked until he retitred. Gladys took a part time cleaning job at the same plant.
John played football for local teams in his earlier years and then became a golf fanatic playing at the Ineos course. Three years ago he had a stroke which left him without speech, but he is well cared for by Gladys and Dale Care who call daily to assist. Gladys praises the service she receives and appreciates the support she gets from the care workers.
Gladys is a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church, but cannot attend now as she has to stay at her husband’s side. However she looks forward to Father Michael Whalen’s weekly visits to her home to administer Holy Communion.
“Fr. Michael is such a down to earth priest and we love him dearly – when he heard of our diamond anniversary he called it a life sentence” said Gladys.
“We have enjoyed our life together in Newton Aycliffe and always had good friends and neighbours” added Gladys.
The couple have two sons who live locally and there is one grandchild. The family came together at home to celebrate and enjoy the meal Gladys is famous for: Home-made broth and dumplings!
Our Town Mayor Barabara Clare called to congratulate John and Gladys, and when she heard this her mouth watered and she asked to be invited.
