A CREDITON couple have celebrated their Sapphire Wedding Anniversary with not one but three celebration parties!

Peter and Wyn Saunders of Chapel Downs, Crediton, aged 85 and 84 respectively, marked their 65 years of marriage with the first party being a lunch hosted by their family, at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum.

Further parties then followed when Teignmouth Ladies Circle (Moose) organised a party for them, again at the Waie Inn, where they met many of their old friends, and finally, their grandson Giles from Eastbourne, hosted another meal for them at the Waie Inn.

Peter and Wyn first met when they were both students at a College in London, when Peter was studying as a Dental Technician and Wyn as a Nursery Nurse.

Wyn remembers their courting days, when she lived in the Nurses home, and was only allowed one late pass each week, so she used to sneak out to meet Peter, and then had to climb in through a window left open by one of her friends, with Peter having to help her climb up a pile of coal which was always left outside the window!

They were later married at St Mathew’s Church in Surbiton.

After Peter finished his apprenticeship, he worked at an American Air Force Base for five years.

Deciding on a career change, the couple moved to their present home in 1967, when it was first built, and are still living there.

Peter then worked as a Heavy Plant Engineer, as a fitter, until severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, made him take early retirement.

Since then, he has become Crediton’s Bionic Man, as he has had four new hips, three knees, and two shoulders, but never gave up and always has a ready smile.

With a specially adapted car, Peter was able to drive until last year.

The couple were long time members of Crediton Loyal Order of Moose and Peter was a Governor of Crediton Lodge, and he also became the Area President.

After the Crediton Lodge closed, they became members of the weekly St Michael Lodge in Exeter.

Wyn was always the Ladies Circle chairman when Peter was Governor.

Wyn also worked for 12 years at Hayward’s Primary School, as an Infant helper.

She also opened the 4th Crediton Brownies and was the first Brown Owl, both jobs she said she thoroughly enjoyed and said was very rewarding.

The couple have four children, the eldest, Michael, after a career in the Army, now works for the High Commission in Singapore, and has been awarded the BEM for his services.

Their daughters are Anne, Karen and Debbie, plus 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, with another one expected soon.

The couple received many cards, plus the Exmouth Lodge sent them a cheque for £100, to be donated to a charity of their choice, which they have donated to ELF, in Exeter, where they are both currently receiving treatment.

They agree they have had a very happy marriage, with a wonderful family.

Margaret Tucker