John and Irene Fraser had their first date in the Telegraph Inn, Aycliffe Village. Irene was a village lass and attended the school there before going to Leeholme for secondary education. The Mayor Val Raw who called on the couple to congratulate them on their 50th Anniversary, attended the same school as John.
John from Darlington served in the Scots Guards for 3 years before returning home to work in Darlington Rolling Mills.
John and Irene were married in St. Andrew’s Church on 14th July 1962 and moved to Newton Aycliffe the following year. John worked at Ridghouse, British Steel, and Smart & Browns before he retired due to ill health.
The couple enjoy Country Music and were members of the Candelite Club in Newton Aycliffe. They have three sons and a daughter with four grandchildren. The family live close by and will come together for a celebration party. After the Olympics John and Irene will travel to London for a weekend and watch a West End Show.
