Diamond couple celebrate milestone anniversary after 60 years of marriage

It is a diamond day for Doug and Beatrice Wetherell who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary today.
Doug and Beatrice Wetherell on their Diamond wedding anniversary. Picture by FRANK REIDDoug and Beatrice Wetherell on their Diamond wedding anniversary. Picture by FRANK REID
Doug and Beatrice Wetherell on their Diamond wedding anniversary. Picture by FRANK REID

The Horden couple tied the knot at St Paul’s Church, Trimdon Colliery, on September 6 in 1958.

Romance blossomed after they met around three years earlier at Thornley dance.

Doug and Beatrice Wetherell on their Diamond wedding anniversary. Picture by FRANK REIDDoug and Beatrice Wetherell on their Diamond wedding anniversary. Picture by FRANK REID
Doug and Beatrice Wetherell on their Diamond wedding anniversary. Picture by FRANK REID
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Doug, 81, worked for 30 years in the mines at Thornley and Horden, while Beatrice worked in a wool factory in Darlington.

Beatrice also later worked in a number of local pubs as a barmaid after having a family.

She and Doug have lived in Horden since the early 1970s after moving from Peterlee.

They have three children; daughter Susan, and sons Douglas and Graeme, and eight grand children.

Doug and Beatrice Wetherell on their Diamond wedding anniversary. Picture by FRANK REIDDoug and Beatrice Wetherell on their Diamond wedding anniversary. Picture by FRANK REID
Doug and Beatrice Wetherell on their Diamond wedding anniversary. Picture by FRANK REID
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They are also great-grandparents to eight, with their latest great-grandchild being born just a week ago.

Asked what the secret is to a long and happy marriage, Beatrice, 83, said: “We have had our ups and downs but you just have to take everything as it comes.”

Doug and Beatrice are both in good health and Beatrice enjoys weekly visits to Horden Catholic Club to play bingo.

They will celebrate the fantastic milestone with a meal today and plan to take a trip to Whitby soon.