JACKIE and John Robbins, who live at Tower Gardens, Crediton, have just celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary, staying for the Easter weekend at Dunster Castle, but will shortly be off on a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords, for another celebration with friends.

The couple were married at Newton St Cyres Parish Church on March 26, 1966 and honeymooned in Bristol. John was born in the Bristol area but moved to Crediton when he was five years old and attended Hayward’s School.

Jackie was born in Newton St Cyres and attended the village Primary School.

The couple met at a dance at the Old Town Hall in Crediton when the “Twist” and rock ’n’ roll was all the rage. John laughingly remembers that there were many “scraps” in those days!

John worked for Bristow’s for 32 years, but before that he worked for the River Authority and Centrax, plus the couple also ran a Sandwich Bar in Exeter for 12 years.

Jackie was a cook and nanny for Pru Quick for eight years and later also worked at Bristow’s.

The couple keep very busy, John has been a member of the Crediton Bowling Club for many years, and plays for the Over 60’s section. In his spare time he enjoys crochet work, making matinee coats, and ladies hats for a charity shop.

Both have played skittles for more than 35 years in the Crediton and District League and are now playing for John’s team “Them and Us”.

Next year the team will play in the First Division after winning the Second Division last season.

The couple have one daughter, Dr Mandy Robbins, who is a teacher at Wrexham University.

Jackie says that give and take and a busy life have led to 50 happy years.

Margaret Tucker