A Shropshire couple struck platinum today more than 70 years after a chance meeting in the market led to wedding bells.
Former bulldozer driver Reg Naylor bowled over lock brick company worker Cathleen when they first met in Oakengates Market as 16 year-olds.
A two-year courtship followed and the pair tied the knot on November 19, 1938, at Wombridge Church, just around the corner from Cathleen’s home, before setting up home in Canalside, Donnington.
Seventy years on and the couple are celebrating their platinum anniversary at their home in Cordingley Way, Donnington. The pair who have eight children, 29 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, will have their hands full this weekend, however, when their family gathers to help them celebrate.
Reg, 88, was born in Donnington and worked for Shropshire County Council for more than 37 years while Cathleen, also 88, grew up in Wombridge. She went on to work at the local brickworks.
Reg, who still recalls the first time he set eyes upon Cathleen, said: “We met in Oakengates when we were both just 16.”
Published with photo in the Shropshire Star on Wednesday 19 November, 2008.
Tags: donnington, marriage, platinum, shropshire, Shropshire Star
