Diamond celebration for Gerald and Irene
A POPULAR Rhondda couple who were at the heart of Ferndale’s workmen’s hall and Labour Club activities for many years will celebrate their 60th anniversary this week.
Gerald and Irene Isaac, aged 83 and 80 respectively, married in 1956 at Trerhondda Chapel in Ferndale – and they will celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary on July 28.
Gerald was employed at Maerdy Colliery for 16 years, where he worked as a mason before spending the rest of his working life as a caretaker of Ferndale Comprehensive School.
He also served for 57 years on the committee of Ferndale Labour Club and organised hundreds of trips away for members – many to go and watch rugby matches.
Irene had jobs at Matthews the Grocer, The Strand in Ferndale, and at Flex Fasteners in Porth.
She served on the committee of Ferndale Workingmen’s Hall for years and was the secretary of the Ladies Guild at the Morlais Hall.
The couple also owned a sweet shop in Ferndale.
Son David Isaac said: “They first met on the Monkey Parade in Ferndale where the boys walked on one side of the street and the girls on the other.
“They courted for a few years and got engaged and they were married in Ferndale, where the service was conducted by the Reverend W G Thomas.
“The reception was held at the Unemployed Club in Maxwell Street, and the honeymoon was spent in Torquay.
“Gerald enjoyed his early years playing football for Tylorstown Juniors, Ferndale Boys Club and Ferndale Athletic.
“He was the trip master at the labour club – among other things he organised trips to see the rugby league at Wembley for 32 years in a row!
“Irene was a promising singing and a great organiser. She organised many trips and parties with her friends of Ferndale Labour Club.
“My parents are a love- ly couple and popular with everyone and I’m so proud of them.”
Gerald and Irene have three children – Jeffrey, David and Julie – as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.