A CHESTER couple celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary are still sparkling after 60 years.
When Ted Doughty came back home to Chester during his leave from the National Service in the early 1950s, his life changed forever when his sister Edna introduced him to her friend Gladys Raynor.
After he asked Gladys’ father for his permission to take her to the cinema, so began a romantic courtship that lasted through a series of love letters written while the couple were apart.
When Ted returned, the couple married on September 6 1952 at Hoole All Saints Church, celebrating their marriage with an evening reception at the City Arms on Frodsham Street.
Sixty years, two children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild later, Ted and Gladys are still as in love as they ever were.
Settling in Hoole after their marriage, Ted, now 84, worked as a shunter and ticket inspector for British Rail for 48 years, while Gladys, 82, was a dinner lady at Hoole All Saints Infant School.
And as they prepare to celebrate their milestone with a big family celebration, Gladys and Ted say the secrets to their long and happy marriage are ‘plenty of arguments and having a great sense of humour’.
Their grandson Jonathan Robertson said his grandparents were ‘amazing’ role models.
“It is a very special time for them both of them and they are looking forward to celebrating it with the family when we all go for a special meal,” he added.
