Tom and Olive Sproates celebrated their Diamond Wedding on Thursday 11th August and their home at Washington Crescent was a sea of flowers from family and friends.
Our Mayor Jed Hillary added to the floral display calling on the couple with a bouquet and best wishes from the Council on behalf of the townspeople.
Tom and Olive were born in Coundon and lived two doors from each other, attending the same schools. After four years courtship, romance blossomed and they were married at St. James’ Church 60 years ago and when asked the question about their life together Tom said “No regrets”!
Tom started his working life as a Market Gardener and farmer. Olive was a Window Dresser for Woolworths and was trained in Liverpool.
In 1964 they moved to Newton Aycliffe when Tom took a job with Eatons moving to work for Schott Glass until he reached retirement age.
Meanwhile Olive had become a housewife and mother to their two children Christine and Peter who have given their parents four Grandchildren. Olive revealed to Newton News with some excitement that a Great Grandchild was on the way.
The whole family live on the town and Tom is pleased to do some of the fetching and carrying required and is particularly proud of his granddaughter Lauren a talented dancer, who now teaches, and works at Tesco part time.
The happy pair celebrated their anniversary with a family get-together last Sunday with a Champagne Tea Party.
Photo Front: Stephen Dunn, (friend), Lauren Sproates granddaughter, Olive and Tom.
Back: Peter Sproates son, Andrea Sproates daughter in law, Christine Sproates daughter, Town Mayor Jed Hillary
