Alexander and Maureen Waterland (nee Shepherd), standing on the steps of All Saints Church, Stranton immediately after their wedding ceremony on 7th February, 1953.
Date (of image) : 7/2/1953
Donor : Mr. Alexander Waterland
Location
The central part of All Saints' Parish Church, Stranton was built in the 12th century and the tower in the 14th century. The clock was added in 1865.
Villagers of Seaton Carew were interred here prior to Holy Trinity Churchyard's Consecration.
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I was born on the 19th of May, 1930, the youngest of five children, and lived at 10 Hunter Street, West Hartlepool. My parents were William Thomas and Eva Waterland – my mother’s maiden name being Duphie.
I started work with L.N.E.R. in 1944, in the carriage & wagon works, transferring to the signal cabins in 1946. Two years later, aged 18, I was called-up for National Service, completing my Basic Training at Elgin in Scotland, serving with the Royal Engineers – Army No.22069051.
I remember completing a Bomb Disposal Course at Alford, near Skegness in Lincolnshire. This was a four-week course, although being a Private meant I didn’t learn how to diffuse bombs, only how to dig them out!
I was demobbed in 1950 and returned to my job with the railways and in 1951 I transferred to the Transport Police, initially stationed with the Hartlepool Docks & Rail Unit.
I married Maureen (Shepherd), on February 7th, 1953, at Stranton Parish Church – it was a very cold day with snow on the ground.
In 1962 I was transferred across to Middlesbrough, with four short spells in London, serving at various places including Waterloo Station and Stratford Lift; I also undertook some Royal Duties. I retired in 1985.
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