Two couples from St Andrew’s Parish, Teesville, have celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversaries and have been presented with bouquets of flowers on behalf of the parish by Parish Priest, Canon Edmond Gubbins, to mark their milestone.

Terry and Margaret’s Golden Vows

Terry and Margaret O’Dwyer were married on Saturday 11th February 1961 at St Peter’s Church, South Bank, by Fr Peter Ryan. They were only the second couple that the newly ordained Fr Ryan had married. The couple first met at a St Peter’s youth social; Terry was 21 and Margaret 19. They were engaged for 16 months before tying the knot.

And to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary, Terry and Margaret once again stood at the foot of the Altar, this time in a packed St Andrew’s Church, Teesville, to renew their vows on Saturday 19th February during the 6.30 pm Mass with Parish Priest, Canon Edmond Gubbins. Terry and Margaret were then presented with a bouquet of flowers by Parish Deacon, Pat Thomas, on behalf of the parish.

They have two daughters, Maria and Christine, and four grandchildren. Their secret for a long happy marriage: ‘Take each other as you are and don’t dwell on your disagreements.’

Bill’s chat up line swept Marion off her feet!

Bill and Marion Serplus first met in the Eston Institute Social Club, Eston, when Bill walked over to Marion and asked her for a dance. It was during that dance that Bill swept Marian off her feet with his chat up line: ‘Do you come here often?’ That was the start of a relationship that has lasted the test of time – more than 50 years. Bill and Marion were married on Saturday 4th March 1961 by Fr Phil Kiely in St Mary’s Church, Grangetown.

And on Sunday 6th March they once again stood in front of the Altar, this time in St Andrew’s Church, Teesville at the 9.30 am Mass to be presented with a bouquet of flowers by Parish Priest, Canon Edmond Gubbins, in recognition of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. They celebrated their milestone anniversary with family, friends and neighbours in their home on the day of their anniversary.

The couple have two children, Janet and Bill (the parish priest of St Aelred in York) and two grandchildren. And their secret for a long happy marriage: ‘Pulling together and not letting go!’