From Down Under

for a golden time

A COUPLE who married in Liskeard 50 years ago, but later emigrated to Australia, returned to the town for their golden wedding celebration year.

Joy (nee Rundle) married Bob Horrell at Wesley Chapel on 27 December l951. Joy worked in Liskeard as a dental nurse receptionist to Dr Busbridge, whilst Bob who had worked locally in farming joined the Royal Engineers and became Staff Sergeant. A career in the Armed Forces took the couple to many parts of the world, including tours of duty in Germany, North Africa and Singapore.

Bob saw service with the United Nations force in Korea, Suez and Borneo. On leaving the Army in l973 Bob and Joy began a career in the Foreign Office, which again took them on extensive travels, including the Eastern Bloc, Scandinavia and Africa. In all they have lived in 12 countries during their marriage.

They decided to settle in Australia on retiring from the Foreign Office in l982, buying a home in Melbourne. Their youngest daughter, Beki, lives in Sydney with husband Mike and children Darren, Stephanie and Jonathon, whilst their elder daughter Jenny lives in Liskeard with her husband Chris and children - daughter Cas and son Dan. Friends and family journeyed from throughout the UK to Liskeard to share the golden celebrations. A meal was enjoyed at the Pencubitt Hotel.

In lieu of presents the golden couple asked for donations to the Churchtown Centre at Lanlivery, a total of £300 being collected.