Love at first sight for couple who wed 60 years ago

A Teesdale couple whose love for one another was sparked on the dance floor are preparing to celebrate 60 years of marriage.
Raymond and Sylvia Race, who live in Cockfield, first laid eyes on each other in their late teens.
Mrs Race was employed as a process worker at GlaxoSmithKline in Barnard Castle when she met apprentice electrician and her husband-to-be in 1954.
They had both arranged to attend a dance with friends at The George Hotel, in Piercebridge, which marked the start of many happy years together. Mrs Race, who is originally from Middleton-in-Teesdale, said: “It was love at first sight. I remember I had a flower dress on and we had our photo taken. He was a good looking man and I took to him.”
Mr Race said: “That was the first time I saw her. She was very attractive.”
Wedding bells began to ring when the couple got engaged in 1956. The following year, they exchanged their vows on January 12, 1957, at Middleton-in-Teesdale Methodist Church. Double celebrations got underway as it was also Mrs Race’s 21st birthday.
Mr Race, who was brought up in Cockfield, said: “We got married a few months earlier than we intended because my sister had just had a baby and my mother was not well. It made sense to bring the wedding forward.”
Despite not going on a honeymoon immediately after the wedding, the couple enjoyed a week-long tour of Ireland in the summer.
That same year, Mrs Race made the move to Cockfield where they set up home together.
Mr Race said: “We’d bought a house in Cockfield before we were married. A semi-detached house cost us £750.”
The couple have two sons, Nigel and Kevin, as well as two grandsons and one granddaughter.
Mr and Mrs Race have many fond memories of the past 60 years including trips away to Italy and Yugoslavia.
Mr Race said: “We used to go abroad. We have been all around the Mediterranean.
“I also have a strong interest in the First World War and local history. I made up my mind when I retired in 1998 that I was not going to lay on that couch and stagnate.
“I started going to a history class in Durham. We are family people too. We are very proud of our sons and grandchildren.”
Speaking of the past 60 years Mrs Race said: “We’ve had our ups and downs but who doesn’t? We always help each other.”
Mr Race added: “I would not have been with anyone else for 60 years. We have had adjustments to make since Sylvia started to lose her mobility but I wouldn’t change anything. The secret is give and take. You’ve got to be prepared to listen too.”
To celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary and Mrs Race’s 81st birthday, the couple are inviting friends and family to their home on West End Terrace on Saturday, January 14, from 11am until 4pm.