A FLUTTER on the horses is just one of the things that a Chester couple have enjoyed during their 50 years of marriage.
Edward William Tatler (Ted) and his wife Elizabeth Margaret (Betty) celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on September 7 with a visit to Ladbrokes in Northgate Street.
‘We don’t always put a bet on,’ said Betty. ‘It’s just that we’ve got so many friends there.’
To their surprise, manager Steve Hughes had decorated the bookies with balloons and presented the couple with a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates.
He said: ‘During my five years with Ladbrokes it has been a pleasure knowing this lovely couple. They go everywhere together as if they were joined at the hip.
‘They are a happy lively couple. Ted is always smiling and joking while Betty is a very polite lady.’
Ted admits they haven’t won a fortune from their daily bet. ‘Have we heck,’ he laughed. ‘Steve wouldn’t let us.’
Ted and Betty, who have lived all their lives in Hoole, met when Betty, née Peers, was babysitting for her brother-in-law. ‘I called in to see my mum who was there as well and ended up walking Betty home in the pouring rain,’ said Ted, 73.
The couple got engaged in a little café in Brook Street and were married three years later in St Paul’s Church in Boughton. Their reception was at the Bear and Billet in Lower Bridge Street.
Ted, a retired labourer, thinks that the secret of the success of their long and happy marriage is to share and share alike. He and Betty, who worked at the Monarch laundry on Hoole Road, enjoy going on bus trips to Blackpool and watching television together. ‘We still hold hands,’ added Ted.
The couple have five daughters and nine granddaughters and celebrated their wedding anniversary with more than 40 friends and family.
