Finding the key to a happy marriage (From The Northern Echo)

Finding the key to a happy marriage

5:34pm Friday 10th February 2012 in Crook & Weardale News

A GRANDMOTHER who was set up on a blind date because of her shyness has celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with her mystery man.

Pauline Dobson was 19 when a friend suggested she go on a date with the man who became her future husband, Ken.

Mrs Dobson, who celebrates their golden wedding anniversary today, said: “I didn’t even look at him for the first few dates, I was so shy.”

The pair, who live in Willington, went to see Rock-a-Bye Baby starring Jerry Lewis for their first date.

Mr Dobson, who was 16 when he went on the date, said he was not deterred by her shyness and the couple were married on February 10, 1962.

They have three daughters, Angela, 49, Jennifer, 47, and Christine, 46, and five grandchildren.

They lived in Pity Me before Mr Dobson’s work as an inspector for the water board brought them to Billy Row and then, for the past 29 years, to Hutton Terrace, in Willington.

Mrs Dobson said: “We never had a lot of money but we have had each other and we always got by.”

Mr Dobson said: “The key to a happy marriage is tolerance and consideration.” To which Mrs Dobson added: “Of course you’ve got to have love as well.”

The pair, who have never been abroad but regularly travel around the UK, will celebrate their anniversary on a trip with family and friends to the Isle Of Wight.