George Coulson Gray and Maud Gray recently celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
George was born in Littleburn and Maud in Framwellgate Moor, they met at Durham Ice Rink, where they spent nearly every weekend speed skating, something they both enjoyed doing with many of their friends.
George worked as a miner at Pit House, and Maud at Bickley’s as a quilt designer.
The date of the Wedding was the 23rd August 1958, and they were married at Saint Cuthbert’s Church in Durham City and went on Honeymoon in their Motorbike & side car to Whitley Bay.
Their first house was a stone built house, which belonged to the Duke of Northumberland Estate, it had no gas or electric, but it did have a big fire to keep them warm.
They arrived in Newton Aycliffe on Easter Sunday 1965, the day they arrived there was heavy snow and 53 years later they still live in the same house.
When they came to the town George worked at BXL and Maud went on to work within the Playgroups, and then Walworth School before retiring.
While they have been living in Newton Aycliffe, they have both done a lot for the local community, both have been local Councillors, (George still is) and previously both also the Mayor & Mayoress of the Town.
Both George & Maud have been honoured with Serving Brother & Sister awards for over 40 years’ service in the St. John’s Ambulance
They have three children, Julie, George & Joanne plus four Grandchildren, Danny, Adam, Harrison & Archer.
The family arranged a little party for them to celebrate the milestone anniversary with family & friends.
They are both very proud to have received a card from the Queen for their anniversary.
When asked what tips they could give for a long and happy marriage their reply was, ‘lots of love and perseverance’.
