Mr & Mrs Simpson will celebrate their 65th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday 11th February 2021. However, due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, they will be separated by a glass partition. Kathleen, a resident of Bethany House care home, will get to see her husband David, who still lives at their family home in Chilton.
The couple first met at the Eden Arms Hotel, Rushyford where Kathleen worked as a chambermaid and David was a regular visitor.
David, a former coal miner, has lived in Chilton all his life and also worked at Shragus Factory, Carmichaels Motorway Maintenance, Parnaby Builders and Metal Drum, whilst Kathleen, formerly of Coundon Grange, was previously employed at Eden Arms Hotel, Woolworths and Parnaby Builders.
The couple were married on 11th February 1956 at the Wesleyan Chapel in Coundon Grange, where the bride wore a pink 2 piece from C&A and walked down the aisle carrying a bouquet of pink roses and her bible. They were joined on the happy day by Bridesmaid Betty and Best Man Eric, with a small reception held in the family home with eight guests.
David is a keen gardener and enjoys growing vegetables and plants, he also spends his spare time Fair-Isle knitting. Kathleen’s hobbies include reading and dominoes and they love Blackpool as their favourite holiday destination.
Mr & Mrs Simpson have three children, Michael (deceased), Susan and Debra, as well as five grandchildren, Johnathon (deceased), Nicola, David, Sophie and Nathan.
Buckingham Palace have sent the couple a congratulatory letter and the Mayor of Great Aycliffe, on behalf of the Town Council, will be sending a bouquet flowers. The residents and staff of Bethany House are to celebrate this wonderful occasion with afternoon tea and Champagne. Whilst the couple get to see each other through the glass partition at the Bethany House care home.
