65th celebrations

A WOKINGHAM couple celebrated their 65th anniversary yesterday.

Peter and Patricia Richards married at St Mary’s Church in Hayes, West London, in 1956.

The couple have two children, Mark and Heather, three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Heather Green said her parents marked the day with a meal with friends and will be having a family party on Sunday.

Ms Green said her parents’ wedding reception was celebrated at the church hall with a homemade buffet, only two years after rationing had ended in the country.

As the wedding party posed for photographs, neighbouring Hayes Town football club scored a goal.

As the crowd cheered, the photographer snapped his picture. All of the men are looking towards the football ground as the women smile at the camera.

Hayes Town won that day.

The Richards moved to Wokingham from West Drayton in 1970, Ms Green said.

Before retiring, Patricia worked in the accounts department at Waitrose Head Office in Bracknell. And husband Peter worked for CIS Insurance in Tilehurst.

Outside of work, Peter was a founding member of Sand Martins Golf Club, Ms Green said. Until

May, he played twice a week, and continues as a social member.

“Mum was a Keep Fit fan and regularly attended St Crispin’s Gym until recently,” Ms Green added.

Reflecting on her parents’ marriage, Ms Green said the couple believe patience, understanding, humour, and working together through thick and thin is key to a long and happy life together.