CREDITON couple, Marion and Walt Nosworthy, celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary on December 20 with a meal with family at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum

They were married on December 20, 1969 at Crediton Congregational Church, and held their reception in the Sunday School Room, where they cut their three-tier wedding cake, which was made by Mitchell’s Bakery.

Their three bridesmaids were Mandy Tothill, Katie Jones and Celia Garnsworthy, and the Best Man was Alan Jones.

After their reception the couple left for a weekend honeymoon in Torquay, and they remember it was very cold and wet.

Walt was born in Cornwall, but came to Crediton when he was just five years-old. He attended Sandford School, and later Hayward’s, in Crediton.

Marion lived at New Buildings and went to Copplestone Primary School and then Shelley School (now QE Lower School).

After leaving school Walt trained as a carpenter and Marion was an assistant in Adams for a number of years and later in Cooper’s grocery shop for 23 years.

The couple had actually met when they were five and six years-old, when Walt was living at Dowrich and Marion used to visit her Aunt Nancy, who also lived at Dowrich.

Later they started going out together when they were 16 and 17, and romance soon blossomed between them.

They have always lived in Crediton, and have lived in their current home in Butt Parks, for many years. Walt, who retired a year ago, has kept working gun dogs, almost all of his life, which he regularly takes on shoots, from Plymouth to Exmoor.

Walt says he does not shoot himself, but works the dogs, for retrieving and that working his dogs has always been a great love in his life.

Marion took over the running of the Sandford Congregational Church more than 10 years ago, and organises the monthly lunches and the film shows.

It is now more than eight since she started her outside catering business, which keeps her very busy.

Walt has also done a lot of work in the church, including the kitchen, and the church hall.

The couple have a son, Shaun, who is now a head gamekeeper. He and his wife Nicola have three children aged 21, 19 and 11 (Marion and Walt’s grandchildren).

Daughter Alison is married to Steve.

Marion and Walt had planned to have a celebration weekend in Torquay, but this has been postponed until February.

They agree that give and take and being best friends has given them 50 very happy years. Walt added that he was delighted that Marion was such a good cook!