COUPLE MARK 60 YEARS
A COUPLE who were born in Ashbourne and grew up together in the same street are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary tomorrow.
Peter and Christine Chell lived on Highfield Road, a mere 10 doors away from each other, and their relationship blossomed, forming the basis for a marriage that has lasted 60 years.
When it came to popping the question Peter, 83, picked his big moment while they were sheltering from a rain shower, in the doorway of the Ashbourne Gingerbread shop in St John Street, now Birds Bakery.
They were on their way to meet Christine’s mum in The Wellington Inn, which was at the top of Wellington Yard and is now the Chimes Cafe and clock shop.
Christine, 80, who worked at Cooper’s Mill, said: “We knew we were getting engaged, so it wasn’t a big surprise. Nothing surprises me that he does.
“He didn’t get down on one knee, it was too wet. It was raining!
“Then we made our way to The Wellington to meet my mum. And then he asked my mum if we could get engaged. She was the person who wore the trousers.”
Peter, a retired painter-decorator and quarry worker, said: “I hadn’t planned it or anything, it was just a spur of the moment thing. It wouldn’t have been a surprise because we’d been going together for such a long time. We knew we were going to get married.”
Two years later St Oswald’s Church was booked for December 20, 1959. Christine was keen to get married at Christmas time. Although Peter jokes: “It was to save on the cost of confetti.”
Christmas is a big deal in the Chell household and their house is filled with decorations. They admit their living room resembles a Santa’s grotto.
And the festive season is a busy time. Not only is there a wedding anniversary to celebrate, but they have four grown-up children still living nearby, along with 10 grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.
And while life has been busy for Peter and Christine, who now live in Lodge Avenue, they’ve always found time for their hobbies. Christine loves gardening and the pair have spent a lot of time playing pub games in local leagues.
But they insist the years have flown by. Peter says: “It doesn’t feel like 60 years. I guess it is a long time, when you think about it, but it’s gone very quickly.”
“But it’s been a happy marriage, we’ve had ups and downs, but we’ve always been very happy together.”