Former Blackpool hotel owners celebrating 70th wedding anniversary say key to a happy marriage is working together

Edward and Dorothy Brenda Foulkes – known as Ted and Brenda – ran The Newburn, in Withnell Road, South Shore, for 10 years before retiring.

The couple were married 70 years ago at 2 pm on Saturday, March 3, 1951 in the Parish Church, Vicarage Lane, Brownhills, which is now part of the West Midlands.

They had met in the lounge bar of the Top Club, Brownhills, while out with friends.

Brenda, 90, remembers Ted, now 91, going to ask her mum and dad for permission to marry, and hiding outside the house while he went in.

Her dad said ‘yes’ and her mum said ‘no’, but thankfully her mum changed her mind and the wedding was arranged.

The couple have a son and daughter, Kevin and Wendy, four grandchildren, Andrew, Katy, Jonathan and Lucy and two great-grand children, Leo and Esmee.

Wendy said: “The over-riding things our parents have instilled in us is a sense of pride and that you have to work for what you want.

“Be honest, truthful and most of all take care of your own families.”

Wendy explained her mum was sent away from home and into service aged 13, before working in factories, cleaning and looking after the family.

Ted was called up to do his National Service in the RAF at the end of the Second World War. He then served 30 proud years as a fireman, carrying many people out of burning buildings

during his career.

Following Ted’s retirement from the fire service, the couple bought The Newburn hotel in 1978.

Wendy added: “The business was a success. They were the best of hosts to their guests and have many happy memories.”

Brenda and Ted settled into retirement, enjoying time with their family and friends.

Wendy added: “They manage to live at home with the help of the family and are coping with the onset of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s.

“They have had their Covid injections and are both ready to have the second which shows their resilience to not give up.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here