CELEBRATIONS Couple mark their diamond milestone

A DEVOTED couple who met at an amateur dramatic society have celebrated the milestone of their diamond wedding.

Tudor and Margaret Jones, both 83, who live in Caerphilly, celebrated their 60th anniversary on June 1.

Both born in Swansea in 1934, the couple met at Uplands Arts Club in the city but have now been settled in Caerphilly for more than 50 years.

The couple married at Pantygwyder Chapel in Swansea in June 1957 when they were both in their early 20s.

Margaret was working for the British Iron and Steel Research Association in Swansea.

Following their nuptials, she moved with Tudor, who was studying at the Royal Technical College Salford for a degree in mechanical engineering.

Completing his degree the year after they married, the newlyweds then relocated to Hampshire when Mr Jones was called up to do national service as a commissioned officer in the Royal Engineers.

After he was demobbed, moved back to Swansea in they 1960, and started a family the following year.

Parents to two children – Jackie and Mike – the couple moved to Pontypridd in 1964, when Mr Jones was working for what is now British Gas, and made the final move to Caerphilly in 1966.

Mr Jones spent more than 40 years as a senior manager for British Gas.

Mr and Mrs Jones have given a lot of their time and effort to local and national charities over the years, particularly through the Rotary and the Inner Wheel clubs.

Mr Jones was president of the Round Table in 1970 and the Rotary in 1983, and received an MBE in 1992 for his services to British industry.

He was also chairman of the RSPCA Glamorgan north and east branch for more than 35 years.

Active in the community, Mrs Jones was part of the choir that sang at the Investiture of the Prince of Wales in Caernarfon in 1969.

The talented singer then became a member of the BBC Wales choir.

Grandparents to twins Jess and Amber – who celebrated their 18th birthday on June 2 – Mr and Mrs Jones enjoy spending as much time as possible with the family.

Mr Jones is also chairman of the Tommy Cooper Society in Caerphilly, and used to be a comedy writing contributor for shows including The Two Ronnies.

The family celebrated the milestone wedding anniversary at a dinner at the New House in Cardiff.

They wanted to wish the “humble and much-loved couple”, described as a “solid and loving” cornerstone of the family, a very happy anniversary.