A couple from Ballabeg have celebrated their golden wedding.

Brenda and Rodney Carter were married 50 years ago at Arbory Parish Church.

The reception was held for 120 guests at the Belle Vue hotel in Port Erin, then owned then by the late Mr Gilbert Robertshaw.

Mrs Carter’s dress was home-made by her sister-in-law Dorothy Chistian from materials costing £4 and five shillings (£4.25 in decimal currency), bought from Sayle’s drapers in Douglas.

At the time Mr Carter worked for Qualtrough’s delivering coal, with take-home wages of £11 and four shillings (£11.20yy).

In the 40 years since they lived at Ballafodda farm, raising five sons.

Mr Carter since worked at TE Leece’s builders in Colby, and then as a self-employed groundsman with notable clients such as Nigel Mansell and Charlotte Lamb.

Mrs Carter worked as a night care assistant at Beach View residential home in Castletown.

When asked what the secret to a happy marriage was, Mrs Carter said: ’Give and take and get on with it basically.’

Mr and Mrs Carter held an afternoon tea at Arbory Parish Hall with those who attended their wedding and thanked everyone who went for all the cards, presents, flowers and vouchers.

They thanked the sandwich makers and those who made the cakes, as well as the tea ladies and all those who helped to make it a special day.

Let us know about your golden or diamond wedding celebrations.

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