LAPFORD couple Ian and Susan Hemsworth were married 50 years ago in Eggleston, Birmingham.

They met when Susan asked Ian to show her how to play bowls. At that time Ian was working in classified advertising for a national weekly technical magazine.

Susan was at that time a secretary at the Birmingham Stock Exchange. Later Ian’s job moved him to London.

They then moved to Hertfordshire and later to Surrey, where Ian continued to work in advertising sales, and became European Sales Manager.

The couple have two sons and two delightful granddaughters aged 18 and 12.

After 30 years in Surrey they moved to Lyneham in Wiltshire, to help care for Ian’s 100-year-old mother, but after she died, aged 104, they were able to move to their own choice which was Lapford, some seven years ago.

They have become very active in the local community, Ian is chairman of the Lapford Parish Council and both are members of the Lapford Over 60s Club.

They celebrated their Golden wedding by renewing their vows at Lapford Parish Church, when Rev Lindsey Starrs conducted the service.

Afterwards around 70 guests, family and friends enjoyed a get together in the Victory Hall, when the couple cut a delicious lemon drizzle and chocolate cake, made by Ian’s cousin.

Donations were given which have now been sent to FORCE, cancer charity in Exeter, as Susan has recently completed her treatment for cancer.

Margaret Tucker