OLD FOLK WED

Evening Star, Issue 23038, 17 August 1938, Page 14

OLD FOLK WED

AGED SWEETHEARTS BRIDE A WIDOW OF 93 Good wishes were showered upon the oldest sweethearts of Stanley—Mr Herbert Walters, a bachelor of 76, and Mrs Ann Ansel], a widow of 93—when their wedding was celebrated at Wasbfield register office, Yorkshire, a few weeks ago. Both have lived in the Stanley district for nearly 50 years. Although the date and time of the wedding were kept secret, a large crowd assembled and saw the arrival and departure of the couple. The bride journeyed to the register office in a taxi, accompanied by Mr R. Hall, of Stanley (who was the best man), Miss Ansell Manning (her granddaughter), and another friend.

BRIDEGROOM LATE. Mrs Ansell was attired in black, and wore a jumper presented to her as a prize at She Stanley village old folks’ treat. She had intended to travel by bus to the register office, and it was only after much persuasion that she consented to go by taxi. Mr Walters turned up a few minutes after his bride. The superintendent registrar, Mr H. D. Gowers, put the old couple at case, and after the ceremony smilingly remarked to Mrs Walters: “You will now take him home and look after him.” To this Mrs Walters rejoined: “ Oh, I think it is more him to look after me!” Although Mrs Walters never attended school; she signed her name in the register in a bold, readable hand. Mr Walters made a cross. Smiling broadly, the couple left the register office arm-in-arm. Neighbours handed to Mrs Walters a small sijver horseshoe as a token of good luck from residents in the Ferry Lane district of Stanley. RECEPTION IN COTTAGE, The reception, at the home of the couple in a tiny cottage in Ferry Lane, was attended by Mr William Ansell, the 72-year-old son of Mrs Walters. Mr Walters was born in Derbyshire, where he worked in the mines, and went to Yorkshire about 45 years ago. Mrs Walters lost her husband about 20 years later. Of her family of nine children two sons and five daughters are still living. Mrs Walters still does all her own housework, and only recently ceased to bake her own bread.