A SPARKLING couple celebrated their blue sapphire anniversary surrounded by family and friends at Housman Court in Bromsgrove care home where they now live.
Ray and Joyce Thomas, who are originally from Redditch, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Wednesday (June 17).
The pair met met on a blind date after being set up by Joyce’s friends Sheila and Michael. Their first date was at a dinner dance in a country pub which cost two and six pence.
They got married at St Luke’s Church in Headless Cross on June 17 1950. There was three bridesmaids – one was a cousin and the other two were friends. The best man was Ray’s brother-in-law.
They had their wedding reception opposite St Stephens Church in Ellis’ cafe (next to Heaphy’s).
The cake was provided by the cafe and the meal was a ham salad and fruit and cream dessert.
They went to Brighton for their honeymoon.
Their first home was in Grove Street, Redditch. Ray worked as an electrician and Joyce was in charge of the records office.
The couple, who both worked for the same company, have a son called Stephen.
For their special occasion on Wednesday, the couple received a telegram from the Queen and were also given flowers by the care home staff.
An old friend of Joyce who she has known for more than 70 years also went along and keyboard player Phil Sayer played and sung at the event.
Carina McAuliffe, the care home’s activities co-ordinator, said: “We had a great celebration with her family and friends.
“Joyce used to play the keyboard so it was fitting that her favourite keyboard player was there to provide the entertainment.
“Ray and Joyce even got up and had a dance together,” she added.
Joyce said the secret of a long and happy marriage was to ‘give and take’.
