A COUPLE, whose love first flickered under the spotlight at their local theatre, are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today (Monday).
Back in 1962, Liz Denham was a dancer in the Darlington Operatic Society production of The Belle of New York, while Jeff Mann was a teenage volunteer, manning the spotlight up in “The Gods”.
The 1962 programme of The Belle of New York (Image: Peter Barron)
Elizabeth Denham credited among the dancers in The Belle of New York (Image: Peter Barron)
However, Jeff was sacked after one show for failing to concentrate on the principal performers. Instead, he got distracted and his spotlight kept following Liz’s dance moves!
For Jeff, it was love at first light and he kept asking Liz out until she finally accepted.
“He just didn’t give up, and I found that rather flattering,” said Liz. “It must have been the right decision because we’ve enjoyed 60 years of being happily married,” said Liz.
“Even though I was up in The Gods, my eyes kept being drawn to Liz, and I knew she was the one for me when we chatted backstage,” added Jeff.
The couple finally got together after Jeff invited Liz to join him for a double date with friends, Reg Hibbert and Glenys Jameson, at a Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen concert at Darlington’s Baths Hall.
Romantic dance nights at The Majestic followed, and Jeff continued to impress Liz by regularly cycling from his family home to meet her when she finished work at a town centre hairdressing salon.
It was a long ride from the Haughton area of Darlington, and, on one occasion, Jeff had to take a breather on the bridge on Thompson Street bank. “I must have been tired because I fell asleep while still astride my bike and wearing my balaclava!” he said.
Whenever Liz visited Jeff’s house, she’d get the bus home, with her gallant boyfriend following on his bike to make sure she got home safely.
“Sometimes, he pedalled so fast, he overtook the bus, and I’d be waving at him through the window as he passed,” said Liz.
The couple married at Holy Trinity Church on October 12, 1966, and have two daughters, Jill and Sarah, and three grandchildren.
Jeff and Liz on their wedding day 60 years ago today (Image: Family handout)
Liz and Jeff ready to cut the cake 60 years ago (Image: Family handout)
They honeymooned at the seaside resort of Cleveleys – “the posh end of Blackpool” – and will be going back there to mark their diamond wedding anniversary.
“After the wedding, family and friends put a long piece of wallpaper – with lots of good luck messages – onto the train. It went through three carriages, but the guards took it off when we got to York,” remembered Jeff.
The couple, who celebrated their 60th anniversary with a party at Darlington Cricket Club last night, have gone on to play a prominent part in community life in Darlington.
Jeff was president of Darlington Rotary in 2024, and Liz served as president of Darlington Inner Wheel the same year.
So, what’s the secret of a long and happy marriage? “If you’re not happy about something, always be honest in talking about it, rather than letting it fester,” replied Liz.
“And always say sorry – even when you’re right”! added Jeff.
Happy anniversary to a diamond couple.
Liz and Jeff Mann back on stage at Darlington Hippodrome (Image: Chris Barron)