DAVID and Sylvia Kingdom of Crediton celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on February 8, with a party for family and close friends at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum, where their celebration cake had been made by their daughter Debbie.

David (73) was born in Witheridge, where his family were farmers and Sylvia (74) was born in Coldridge, but later moved and went to school in Crediton.

The couple met at a Young Persons’ Social at Black Dog, when Sylvia broke her necklace and David mended it for her, and so their romance began!

They were married at Witheridge Methodist Church, by the Revd John Holly, and later honeymooned in Boscombe, Bournmouth.

After their marriage the couple moved to Loxbeare, Tiverton, where David worked on a farm, and then Dunchideock.

He then changed jobs and went into the building trade, working for Marley all over the country, including on the M5, until he retired.

In 1978 the couple moved to Crediton, and have lived in their home in Barn Park, for more than 30 years. After retirement, David continued to work, including in maintenance at Queen Elizabeth’s Community College.

Sylvia, originally worked in the old International Stores, but later, for 36 years worked at Ivor Coram’s, until it closed. She now works in Treloars delicatessen.

Throughout their lives, the couple have always been very involved with the Church. David trained to be a Lay Preacher at Witheridge when he was 16 years old, and still regularly takes services in the Crediton area.

They have been members of Crediton Congregational Church for more than 20 years, where David is an accomplished musician, playing the pipe organ, piano and other instruments.

Sylvia, who loves Suduko, is also very involved at the Church, helping with the Food Bank, involved in the Welcome Team, and runs a weekly prayer meeting.

They have one son, Martin, a daughter Debbie, who together organised their party, three grandsons, one grandaughter, one step grandson, and one great grandson.

The couple say that their Christian faith has helped to give them 50 very happy years, and having a lot of respect for each other, together with love of their family.

Margaret Tucker