Couple’s platinum celebration

A DAILY walk to work proved a firm foundation for love as one couple celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary today.

Joseph Hutchings (88) was only 16 when he first met his future wife Eva (90) as they walked to Belgrave Cotton Mill for their daily shift.

Joseph, originally from the Ashton Road area, worked in the warehouse and Eva, who lived opposite St Paul’s Church in Ashton Road, was an 18-year-old ring spinner.

A few dances later and the pair were courting before they were married at St Paul’s Church, Ashton Road, on March 23, 1940.

They have three children, Pearl (68), Clifford (63) and Rhona (60), six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

Born and bred in Oldham, the couple lived in the town all their lives until a recent move to Milnrow.