‘Perfect couple’ - Husband and wife celebrate 60 years together after meeting through the Shields Gazette
A South Shields couple have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Ian Jones, 86, and his wife Gloria, 80, celebrated the impressive milestone on Thursday, March 12, having met through a letter which was posted in the Shields Gazette.
The couple first started speaking when Ian appealed to the Gazette for a female pen pal while he was away serving in the RAF, with Gloria deciding to write to him.
When they met in person for the first time, Ian surprised Gloria at her front door with a reporter while she was wearing a purple-padded dressing gown and rollers in her hair.
Within a year, they decided to marry and the couple went on to have two daughters, Karen, 56, and Tracey, 55.
Tracey has described her parents as “the perfect couple” who always put their family first.
She said: “When my dad was in the RAF, he got in touch with the Gazette and asked for someone to write to him
“Then when he was coming back to Shields to meet my mam for the first time, he turned up with the Gazette to her front door but she didn’t know and she was wearing a purple dressing gown.
“Really it is thanks to the Shields Gazette for bringing them both together and the paper has always been an important thing in their lives because of it.
“They’re with each other constantly - they’ve been the perfect couple and massive family people.
“For my sister and I to see them celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary is absolutely amazing.”
Around 30 years ago, Ian suffered a stroke which impacted his ability to speak and walk but Tracey has revealed that despite this, the couple have always seen the funny side of life.
She added: “My dad was only 55 when he suffered his stroke but they are still always laughing.
“My mam did initially work as a carer but she gave it up to look after my dad, something which she still does to this day.
“Nothing is ever serious with them and they always see the funny side to life.
“Anyone could turn up to their door and they’d feel welcome, especially because my mam loves to bake and sing on karaoke.”
Support your Shields Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day.
With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.