Sheila and John Atkinson (Director of long established C.R. Atkinson Joiners on Aycliffe Business Park) celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with a four day stay at the Savoy Hotel in London going to Shows and on the ‘Eye’, followed this month with a fortnight in Tenerife.
John met Sheila at Spennymoor Rink when she was 20 years old. He asked her for a dance and it was love at first sight. John later phoned Sheila for a date at Bishop Auckland Odeon Cinema to see “A Kid for Two Farthings”.
They married two years later at St. John’s Church, Shildon on March 29th, 1958. They bought a house in Shildon and had two children Belinda and Duncan who now runs the business. They have four Grandchildren, Megan, Joe, Harry and Shanaya a fantastic singer who did so well in the X Factor this year. Grandson Joe also works for the company bringing in the fourth generation.
After serving in the war, John’s father sold his house and started the business, moving from Middlesbrough to live in Clarence Corner, Newton Aycliffe. John went to work with his Dad and over the years the company specialised in manufacturing wooden stairs.
John was a founder member of Newton Aycliffe Table Tennis Club and an all-round sportsman playing football, squash and is currently President of Shildon Football Club. At 85 John still goes to work every day to keep his mind active.
Sheila a keen dancer said: “We have enjoyed 60 very happy years together, travelling the world and making long-lasting friendships with lovely memories. The secret is to give each other space, and trust; don’t forget to tell each other how much you love them. If you have a disagreement sort it and do not battle! Always be prepared to say sorry”
John says of his wife: “Sheila is the best thing that ever happened to me and I would be lost without her. I think we’ve become closer over the years and we love each other very much.”
