WHEN a Bow couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary they asked for donations for two charities instead of presents - raising an amazing £620.

Walter and Ellen Mears were married in Wales on November 28, 1959. They held their anniversary party at Bow Village Hall and have given £310 to the Parkinson's Disease Society and £310 to Macmillan Nurses.

Walter is from Zeal Monachorum, going to school there and at North Tawton. His wife grew up in Wales. Walter later worked for Harvey Plant Hire, was working on widening roads in Wales, living in the village where young Ellen lived.

After their marriage they lived first on Water Lane at Bow, then their present home on Godfreys Gardens. Walter did contracting and farm work. His wife became Warden at Godfreys Gardens, a job she did for 25 years.

Walter used to breed pedigree Longhorn cattle and has always had an interest in old machinery. He still has and is still restoring farm equipment.

His wife is a member of the village Twinning Association and used to be a member of the Village Hall Committee.

They had four children, have six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

S Read