Confrontation leads to life-time love for Dinnington’s Anne Butler

Anne Butler recalled how she had confronted her then-17-year-old future husband because he was deliberately making noise outside the house where she was caring for two young children.

Mrs Butler recalled: “He was riding round on his bike making lots of noise.

“I think he was doing it on purpose because he had seen me before.”

The two hit it off, started courting and eventually tied the knot.

Nearly 70 years later, the couple (both 84) have now celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

They got engaged at 18 and married in 1952 at St Leonard’s Church in Dinnington.

Mr Butler was on National Service at the time and his new wife continued working in service until they were both 21, after which they moved to Anston.

Mr Butler trained as a TV engineer but eventually went into business with his wife, opening the Butler’s Off Licence shop in Carlton-in-Lindrick.

They later moved to Woodsetts and now live near Blyth.

The couple have two daughters, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Romantic Mr Butler marked the sapphire anniversary by buying his wife a necklace, ring and earrings featuring the distinctive blue gem.

They celebrated with party for 30 family and friends at Styrrup Golf Club, and received a card of congratulations from the Queen.

Asked the secret of their long-lasting romance, Mrs Butler said: “I do what I’m told, and my husband can’t cook!”