Two of Spalding’s best-known faces finally married on Sunday – after 37 years together.
Alan Porter and Angela Newton decided to take the plunge after “saving up”!
But Angela, leader of the Independent group at South Holland District Council, revealed that there won’t be Porters on opposite sides of the council chamber.
She will retain the surname Newton for her council work – meaning there won’t be any name confusion with district council leader Gary Porter. Angela joked: “I don’t know if there’s room for two of us at the council!”
Alan, who is 79 today (Wednesday), and Angela, who “over 21”, met at the Red Lion Hotel in Spalding in 1977.
In 1984, their business AP Sales launched with auctions of small livestock and fruit and vegetables on the former Cattle Market (now Holland Market).
The company quickly expanded and moved from its first premises in Winsover Road to New Road. It went on to become one of Spalding’s most recognised estate agents.
Alan retired nine years ago and Angela carried on until the couple, who have one son Andrew, sold the business to Hill and Clark in October 2012.
They are looking forward to not having to dodge any more questions about when they would get married.
Angela, who is also Lincolnshire County Councillor for Spalding West, said: “It’s always been a time factor really.
“Everyone’s always asked us why not and we told them we’re still saving up!”
The couple are both cricket fans and went to the West Indies earlier this year to watch England, so that was their “honeymoon”.
And Sunday’s happy occasion came at the end of a week in which Angela received another ring.
Fellow South Holland district councilllors clubbed together to buy her a ruby ring to mark her 40 years as a member.
Gary Porter told The Voice: “I like Angela and Alan and I wish them continued happiness.
“Some of us are lucky to be born into the name Porter and now Angela has finally done her best to be one of us!”
