Dance meeting led to 60 years of marriage

Robert and Dorothy, of Peterlee, celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends.

They have been together since meeting at a dance at Horden’s Victoria Ballroom in 1953.

Dorothy was a spring bride as the couple tied the knot at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Horden on March 16, 1957.

The couple celebrated the milestone with a family meal and catching up with friends at home.

Robert, 84, originally from Hartlepool, previously worked for the town’s Expanded Metal company after doing his national service with the RAF.

His work took him all over the country.

Dorothy, 81, worked for Saxone shoes shop in Hatlepool before starting a family.

She and Robert have two daughters; Janice Dockrill, 58, married to Graham, and Sharon Casey, 55, who is married to Terry.

They are also proud grandparents to Dane and Jordan Wilson and Liam and Rochelle Casey.

They also dote on their two great-grandchildren; Archie Wilson, aged 4 and a half, and three-month-old Alfie Wilson.

Dorothy returned to work when her children were older working for the Post Office in Peterlee and then as a supermarket merchandiser.

She and Robert originally set up home in Woodlands Avenue, Horden, and later moved to Peterlee in the mid 1960s as the new town was taking shape.

Despite being retired, they still enjoy an active social life and regularly visit Hartlepool Marina where they have a number of friends.

They received a card from the Queen on their special day yesterday.

Robert said: “Dorothy is just as bonnie now as she was when she was 17.”

Asked what the secret was to a long and happy marriage, he joked: “Keep nodding your head and saying ‘yes dear’.”

He added: “A fight a day keeps divorce at bay.”