Golden celebrations shared (From The Advertiser Series)

Two couples relive joint wedding

11:10am Sunday 28th October 2012 in News By Catherine Priestley, Chief Reporter (Sedgefield)

FIFTY years after walking down the aisle two couples celebrated their big day together, just as they did at their joint wedding.

Growing up, twin sisters Mary and Rose Lawler, from Leeholme, near Bishop Auckland, always wanted to share their wedding day.

So it was a dream come true when Mary and Rose married their sweethearts - Billy Hughes and Norman Allinson - at St Joseph’s Church, Coundon, on October 27, 1962.

On Saturday, they returned to the church for a blessing on their golden wedding anniversary.

Billy and Mary Hughes, now aged 73 and 72, of Leeholme, have two sons, Paul and John, a daughter, Anne, and four grandchildren.

Mrs Hughes said: “It is lovely to be back at the church for the service and to reach our golden wedding, especially these days. Mind, it’s no wonder I’m going grey.”

Norman and Rose Allinson, both 72 (Mr Allinson turns 73 on Monday, October 29), of Ripon, North Yorkshire, have three sons- David, Anthony and Martin, and eight grandchildren.

Mrs Allinson said: “Our 50th wedding anniversary feels wonderful, we’re very happy.”