Sunderland couples celebrate 60 years of wedded bliss

Tom and Audrey Cannon and Norah and Ian MacLeman are celebrating their diamond weddings.

Teenage sweethearts Tom and Audrey were just in their teens when they tied the knot at the former St Cecilia’s Church in Corporation Road, which has now been demolished.

The pair, who live in Ryhope’s Aldbrough Close, met when they were children going to a youth club and have been together every since.

Tom, 79, said he and Audrey, 76, have had a fantastic life together and they would do it all over again if they could.

He said: “I had just left school and Audrey was still at school when we met and we have been together ever since.

“Sixty years is such a long time, some people say it is three life sentences, but is isn’t for us, we have thoroughly enjoyed it and wouldn’t change it for anything.

“We always say we do things together and we work things out together.”

The couple, who have two children and three grandchildren, celebrated their anniversary with a house full of family and friends, and ex-miner Tom said they were both very touched when they received a surprise blessing at St Patrick’s RC Church.

Norah and Ian, who tied the knot at St Mark’s Church in Millfield, also celebrated their big day with their family and friends, including their five grand-daughters, three great grand-daughters and one great grandson.

As well as a house party, the couple, who live in Hylton Walk, also enjoyed a special lunch at Lumley Castle.

The pair, who met at The Rink dance hall, had four children, but sadly one of their sons died ten years ago.

As well as celebrating their diamond wedding, the couple are also celebrating former shipyard worker Ian’s 84th birthday.

Norah, 79, who worked as a telephonist, said: “It is a bit of a double celebration for us.”

She said the secret to 60 years of married bliss is having patience, tolerance and a good sense of humour.

The great-grandmother, said: “My husband always jokes that we have only had one row, but it has lasted 60 years.”