Rudheath couple celebrate platinum wedding anniversary

Rudheath residents Tom, 93, and Audrey Leather, 89, are celebrating their platinum wedding anniversary today (August 20).

Their family threw them a surprise party over the weekend, giving the couple a chance to reflect on their time together, including all the ups and downs.

Sharing the secret to a long and happy marriage, Tom and Audrey said: “Working hard at it, particularly in difficult times. 

“But also having your own space and interests, so that you don’t get under each other's feet!”

Tom and Audrey both grew up in Northwich, attending Witton Boys School and Danebridge School respectively.

Tom went on to work a range of jobs, most recently for the now-dissolved Cheshire County Council.

Audrey also worked at several local places, including the former Bebbingtons Ironmongers on High Street and a laundry on London Road.

Audrey and Tom received 'long service' medals at a surprise anniversary celebration (Image: Supplied)

They met on a coach trip in 1953 and hit it off straight away, spending their spare time courting at venues such as the Plaza, the Regal and the Pavilion.

On August 20, 1954, they were married at the Northwich Registry Office, celebrating with friends and family at home after.

“It was a quiet affair, we had very little fuss,” they said. 

Tom and Audrey had three children - sons Kenneth, 69, and Darren, 53, and daughter Allison who died a few years ago.

They have enjoyed many happy memories together, including family holidays to Blackpool and Spain, as well as social events at Rudheath Club and the old Broadhurst Club.

Their niece, Vicki England, said: “They were very pleased to receive a special card from the late Queen on their Diamond anniversary, although Tom did remark that ‘she could have put a fiver in it!’

“They've faced challenges in life like most couples, the hardest being the loss of their daughter Alison but they talk about her often and she is not forgotten.”

These days, the couple can usually be found taking the bus into Northwich to wander around town, sit in their favourite café, socialise and generally watch the world go by.

They said: “You've got to keep going, you can't sit in all the time!”