A SPARKLING Redditch couple celebrated their blue sapphire anniversary surrounded by family and friends at the care home where they now live.
Ray and Joyce Thomas celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Wednesday (June 17) at Housman Court in Bromsgrove.
The pair met on a blind date after being set up by Joyce’s friends, Sheila and Michael. Their first date was at a dinner dance in a country pub which cost 2/6d (that’s two shillings and sixpence or 12.5 pence).
They got married at St Luke’s Church in Headless Cross on June 17, 1950 while their wedding reception was in Ellis’s Cafe, opposite St Stephen’s Church (next door to Heaphy’s).
The cake was provided by the cafe and the meal was a ham salad and fruit and cream dessert.
The happy couple then went to Brighton for their honeymoon.
Their first home was in Grove Street, Redditch and Ray worked as an electrician while Joyce was in charge of the records office in the same office.
For their special occasion on Wednesday, the couple, who have a son, Stephen, received a telegram from the Queen and were also given flowers by the care home staff.
An old friend of Joyce who she has known for more than 70 years also went along and keyboard player Phil Sayer played and sang at the event.
Carina McAuliffe, the care home’s activities co-ordinator, said: “We had a great celebration with her family and friends. Joyce used to play the keyboard so it was fitting that her favourite keyboard player was there to provide the entertainment. “Ray and Joyce even got up and had a dance together.”
And their secret of a long and happy marriage?
“Give and take,” said Joyce.
