Mr George Colledge and Mrs Joyce Colledge are celebrating 60 years married on Thursday 4th March 2021. Whilst the Mayor is unable to make her traditional visit to congratulate the couple, the Town Council sent a bouquet to acknowledge their special day.
The couple have been flooded with cards and gifts marking this amazing achievement, George 81 and Joyce 78 met at the Durham Ox pub at Coundon in their late teens, and have been together ever since. They were married at Bishop Auckland registry Office and honey mooned in London. They started married life at Close House then moved to Chilton 2 years later, where they have lived ever since.
George used to work down Chilton Colliery and Middridge Drift until they closed down, He then worked for WM Press until near retirement age, he finished his working life in the office at Dean and chapter Coal Yard, he has been happily retired for over 20 years now. Joyce worked at Paton Baldwins wool factory, she left there to start a family,
George and Joyce have 2 children, daughter Gayle and son Graham, they have 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and another great grandchild on the way.
Daughter Gayle has 2 of their grandchildren. Granddaughter Jo-Anne lives with her partner Andrew, they have 2 children Ella and Cameron. Grandson Marco lives with his partner Jenny.
Son Graham has 3 of the grandchildren. Granddaughter Jodi lives with her partner Pete, they have 1 son Tailor and a new baby on the way. Granddaughter Zoe, lives with her daughter Poppy Rose. Granddaughter Chloe lives with her partner Josh, they have a son Finley.
George and Joyce love their holidays and have holidayed in the Greek islands for over 30 years, once they found the Island of Rhodes they were hooked, they went there for almost 30 years, they got citizenship from the local Mayor, they have some amazing memories and have met some good friends from all over the world who they always keep in contact with regularly.
At the moment due to health issues Joyce is currently in a nursing home which is hard for both George and Joyce and all of the family, also with the pandemic it is even harder to be able to visit Joyce, this last year is the only time George and Joyce have been apart since they met.
The Nursing home have arranged treats for Joyce and George, the family have got lovely gifts and treats for them both to enjoy also.
We will help them celebrate as best as we all can,
We would all like to wish them many more happy years together as husband and wife with love from all of their family and friends.