Alan Thompson WHEN carpenter Ray Bourne saw the attractive teenage girl walk though the workshop and disappear into an office, he wondered how best to meet her.It was mid-1957 and building apprentice Ray had to wait for his firm's outing to get a chance to chat to her - and on Saturday, Ray and Iris celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Alan Thompson

WHEN carpenter Ray Bourne saw the attractive teenage girl walk though the workshop and disappear into an office, he wondered how best to meet her.

It was mid-1957 and building apprentice Ray had to wait for his firm's outing to get a chance to chat to her - and on Saturday, Ray and Iris celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

The couple married at St Jerome's Church in Hayes, Middlesex in 1958. Ray was only 19 and his bride 20.

At the weekend, the couple from Cess Road, Martham, celebrated with family and friends at the Hermanus in Winterton.

Iris recalled that when they met it was on a blind date - but not with each other.

She said: “We had both been lined up for a blind date which didn't really work out and we saw each other on that occasion and somehow we clicked. So we went out together after that and romance blossomed.”

Ray said that having to do his National Service made them decide to get married sooner rather than later, and the proposal came in an unusual place.

Ray explained: “We had been to the Battle of Britain Club in Uxbridge on the Saturday night and went over to the local pub, the Green Man. But it was too noisy there and so we walked around the back where all the barrels and rubbish were stored and it was there I popped the question!

“In the army there was married accommodation and it seemed the right thing to do. I had to do a few months in Germany on my own but it didn't seem all that long.”

The couple have a daughter, a son and two grandchildren.

Both of them worked in the Hayes area until 1965 when they moved - initially to Rollesby for the quality of life and for the sake of their children. Ray continued as a carpenter and Iris worked for a time in insurance in Great Yarmouth.

They moved to their present house 23 years ago.

Both aged 70, they are active in the community; Iris is president of Rollesby Women's Institute and enjoys line dancing and Ray has been a member of the local bowling club for many years and enjoys fishing.

Their recipe for a long and happy marriage is: You may have your ups and downs but it is essential to stick together during the rough times.

Iris added: “Oh yes, and I'd better say give and take!”