Walter and Enid Hugill of Woodham, celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary by returning to St. Clare’s Church to renew their vows, where they were married on 23rd March 1957, The couple first met in 1950 at the town’s first community centre. There were only a few pioneer families resident when the first houses of the new town were being erected and Walter’s family was one of the first seven to move to Newton Aycliffe.
He told Newton News “I was playing table tennis and two beautiful young girls walked in and that was when my relationship with Enid began.”. He moved to Newton Aycliffe from Middlesbrough and Enid came from Darlington, both quickly settling down – Walter was a qualified electrician and Enid a shorthand/typist Secretary. Enid’s skill gained her some important positions including working for Aycliffe Development Corporation and Woodham Comprehensive. Walter at one point was a partner in a building venture in premises taken over by Newton Press in the late 60’s and now rented by Homeplan. He moved on to other employment including Varleys at Darlington for 28 years before retiring.
Walter was a keen sportsman in his early years and he and Enid helped run the town’s first Youth Club, and the Red Cross, teaching first aid and organising exercises for Fell Rescue. Both are keen bowls players and are members of the Oakleaf Indoor Bowls Club. Walter is a talented woodworker and when he retired the family bought him a lathe. He has created some beautiful objects including furniture, bowls and other fancy goods. The couple have two sons, Paul and Mark, with five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. The whole family and Enid’s sister, who was Matron of Honour at her wedding, came together for a family celebration meal at a local Restaurant.
