Couple's golden surprise for hotel

The Lion was given a golden surprise when a couple who had spent their honeymoon night at the hotel 50 years ago returned to celebrate their wedding milestone.

Owner Howard Astbury told Richard and Betty Underwood, pictured below on their wedding day,  that he would knock the amount from the original bill off the cost of the present stay – if they could produce the receipt.

Much to his amazement the Underwoods, who now live in Ormskirk, Lancashire, still had their hotel bill from December 2, 1961, for £4 and 5 shillings and sixpence (£4 27.5p in today’s money).

It was made up of £2 15 shillings for the room, 2/6d for drinks, dinner at 10 shillings each and gratuities of 8 shillings.

“When we got married we put everything connected with that event into a scrapbook.  So it wasn’t difficult to find the receipt and make a copy, which we took with us to the hotel,” said Richard, pictured below with Betty today.

“Now we are on scrapbook number 89 as we have kept mementos of all our family events and holidays throughout our life,” he added.

The couple, who were both doctors, were married at Rainhill, near Liverpool, before leaving for a honeymoon along the south coast of England.

The bridegroom’s father lent them his car and the couple travelled to Shrewsbury for their first night of the honeymoon. 

On arrival at The Lion, the hotel manager was very apologetic, as the central heating system had broken down and the hotel was cold.

Owner Howard Astbury said: “I was amazed when the couple produced the receipt, so I was delighted to keep my promise.”

The couple, who have both retired now, said: “It was lovely going back to the hotel after 50 years. 

“This time the central heating was working so we were very warm and comfortable.  It brought back many happy memories and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.”