Kettering couple celebrate 70 years of marriage

Douglas and Betty Sharpe on their wedding day 70 years ago

A couple from Kettering are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary tomorrow (Tuesday).

Douglas Frederick Sharpe, 92, met his wife Betty Doreen Sharpe, 90, in Montagu Street all those years ago. He said: "I was with a friend of mine in Montagu Street and these two girls were on the other side of the road.

"I said to my friend, 'let's catch up with them' and ask for a date."

Betty and Douglas Sharpe will be celebrating their long marriage this Wednesday

Douglas cannot remember what that first date was but said it was probably at the pictures.

It was not long before Douglas and Betty got married at St Andrews Church in Kettering followed by a honeymoon in Blackpool.

They stayed at St Chad's Hotel and Douglas remembers all the entertainment on offer. He said: "In those days all the theatres had shows on, so there was always somewhere to go.

"We went dancing, of course we did."

The newly-weds returned to their hometown and have lived in their Derwent Crescent home for 54 years.

Douglas and Betty raised two daughters, Martine Cousins and Julie Pochwalowski. They have five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson, Ted, who was born in June.

Almost all the family are still in Kettering, with one family now living in Florida.

When asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, Douglas said: "Take and leave it, compromise."

When he consulted Betty for her tips, Douglas added: "She said knowing that she's boss."

Unfortunately, lockdown and social distancing rules has limited what Douglas and Betty can do to celebrate their milestone anniversary, with daughter Martine saying they're too precious to risk a big gathering at the moment.

Douglas said: "We'll probably have some fish and chips, with mushy peas as an extra treat."

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