Grantham couple set to celebrate golden wedding anniversary
A Grantham couple will have to wait to celebrate their golden wedding with their family after the second national lockdown was enforced.
Martin and Sandra Streather are set to mark 50 years of marriage today (Saturday) and plan to commemorate the milestone in the best way possible, given the current circumstances.
Both born and raised in Grantham, the pair met at Aveling and Barford Social Club about 52 years ago, and were engaged only a year later.
They married in 1970 at St John’s Church in Grantham, and have since had a son, Johnathan, and a daughter, Janeene.
Martin worked for the electricity board for his entire working life, while Sandra was a machinist.
They were both heavily involved in a local scouting group. Martin volunteered for over 25 years with Grantham scouts. He was later joined by Sandra, who was one of the town’s first Beaver leaders.
The pair reminisced about going on camps with the group, with trips to Ancaster a particular highlight. Martin noted that “[going to Ancaster] was quite the thing back when Sandra started up with the Beavers”.
During lockdown, they have both tried to keep as busy as possible.
Martin said: “I’ve been doing little jobs around the house, tidying up and some DIY. I can’t do a lot. We’re trying to make ourselves useful at home. Sandra loves her gardening, too.”
Sandra summarised her main trio of lockdown activities as gardening, walking and reading.
When asked what their secret for such a happy and long-lasting marriage is, Martin said: “Me doing as I’m told.”
Sandra added: “A sense of humour I think. We’re good friends as well, that’s the thing. Good friendship.”
“We were going to have a party, but obviously with the lockdown we’ve been unable to do that, so we are going to have one of our favourite meals from the China Inn. A nice Chinese meal, open up a bottle of bubbly and celebrate it that way! Hopefully, we will be able to have a family party next year.”
The couple are only six months apart in age, with Martin turning 70 in December and Sandra celebrating the milestone birthday next year.
Their daughter lives in Derby, while Johnathan is based in Gloucester.
Sandra continued: “Unfortunately, with Covid it just makes it awkward for everyone to get together.”