Joan and Gerard Hanlon, who were married at St Theresa’s Church, Hartlepool, on August 6, 1966, are marking their Diamond Wedding anniversary with an evening celebration, surrounded by family and friends.
The couple first met at Gerard’s parents’ home when Joan, then aged 15, was visiting her friend Jennifer – Gerard’s sister. Gerard was 16 at the time, and their teenage romance blossomed into a lifelong partnership.
When they met, Gerard worked in various roles at the Steelworks and ICI, while Joan was employed in a fruit shop.
Over the years, they have built a large and loving family. They are proud parents to three sons, grandparents to 11 grandchildren and great-grandparents to seven great-grandchildren.
Reflecting on the secret to a long and happy marriage, Joan and Gerard say their enduring love for one another has been the foundation of their relationship.
“We love each other very much,” they said. “If there’s a problem, we talk it out.”
Their wedding was attended by family and friends – with Colin Bunny serving as best man and Jennifer Aspinall as chief maid.
Sixty years on, the couple continue to cherish the life they have built together and were looking forward to celebrating this special milestone with those closest to them.
