Sunderland couple who met on blind date toast 50th anniversary from California home

The couple – who married on Saturday, September 12, 1970 at the Holy Rosary Church in Farringdon – moved over to the United States almost 40 years ago, and had planned to mark the sparkling occasion with a celebratory trip back to Sunderland before going on to Ibiza.

Instead, they will celebrate the big 5-0 on a video call with their nearest and dearest back home, before taking a gondola cruise in Long Beach, California; a short distance from their home in Huntingdon Beach.

Anne, of Thorney Close, was set up on a blind date with Penshaw lad Norman, now aged 71, in 1968.

And that first trip to the Excel Bowling Alley – part of the Locarno complex – led to a lifetime adventure together, taking them across the pond.

Anne, 70, told the Echo: “Frankly, I don’t know how Norman has put up with me all these years.

"I am as crazy as a loon, and he is very sensible, but over time has tolerated being dressed up and doing the madcap things I have wanted to do with amazing stoicism. Maybe opposite do attract.

"Plus, we are each other’s best friends – sounds corny, but it’s true.”

The pair made the move to California in 1981, after Norman – a former pupil of Houghton Secondary Modern School – took up a job with Shultz Steel Company, where he worked until his retirement in 2014.

Anne, a St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy alumnus, worked a variety of volunteer jobs before going on to teach Special Education English classes in Ranch Alamitos High School until 2005.

The couple have enjoyed a number of trips for their milestone anniversaries – including a Las Vegas vow renewal in 2000, which saw Elvis read a copy of their hometown paper as part of Echo Abroad – with hopes to host their belated golden wedding bash in 2021.

Together, Anne and Norman love motorcycling, crosswords and travelling.

They have also supported several organisations throughout their marriage including the Hamlin Foundation, Children International, Literacy Volunteers for America and the Golden Retriever Club of Greater Los Angeles Rescue.

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