Dancing the years away

Diamond anniversary is marked by debut on floor

A LOVING couple have had their ‘first dance’ 60 years after their wedding day.

When John and Dorothy Thexton tied the knot in 1957, it was a small family affair and the occasion did not involve a traditional first dance.

John, now 84, says he is not much of a dancer and the couple never really danced together over the years.

However, to mark their diamond anniversary, a surprise party was organised for them where the couple did dance and celebrated 60 years of togetherness.

The special tea dance was held at Newcastle’s Great Park Community Centre by Silverline Memories, a National Lottery-funded group that supports older people with mild to moderate dementia.

Dorothy, 83, was diagnosed with dementia in 2003 and John has been caring for his wife ever since.

John said: “We were married at St Cuthbert’s in Blyth. It was very much a small family affair. We never danced together – my experience with dancing has been absolutely zero.

“But the 60th anniversary celebration they organised was absolutely amazing. It was a breathtaking experience.

“We knew something was afoot and they were planning something but we didn’t know what it was. When we got there, they had set out the tables, banners and flowers, and our family members were there and it was great. We were not expecting anything on this scale.

“Dorothy attends tea dances regularly and she loves music – it lights her up. I saw how much Dorothy enjoys dancing and on our celebration day, I joined in.

“They made it very special for us and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was an unforgettable occasion for our family.”

The couple, of Brunton Park, Newcastle, have known each other since they were children as their families were close friends.

When they got married, John was studying architecture at King’s College in Newcastle and Dorothy was studying social studies.

John went on to work overseas for years, in places including Libya and Saudi Arabia.

The couple, who have two daughters and three grandchildren, met mostly during their holidays. John later became a volunteer at a care home.

And after Dorothy was diagnosed with dementia, John became her carer. He helps to pick out her clothes, get her dressed and also does her make-up.

He said: “Caring for Dorothy is not a problem for me. I volunteered at a care home for eight years so I have some experience. Dorothy goes to a