CELEBRATIONS: Celebrating... wedding anniversaries.

JILL AND DEREK EDDLESTON

JILL and Derek Eddleston, formerly of Coventry but now living in Australia, celebrated their golden wedding on July 18.

The couple, who met through Jill's best friend Marion who was engaged to Derek's brother Ron, married at St George's Church, Barker Butts Lane, Coundon.

They celebrated with an "open house" for friends and relatives at their home in Dandenong North, Victoria.

Derek worked for JH Cooper before doing his National Service. When he returned to Coventry, he continued to work for the firm before moving to Les Hawkins.

Derek, a skilled painter and decorator, worked for Wickmans before starting his own company, D Eddleston. When he moved to Australia he continued in the decorating trade until he retired in 1994.

Jill worked at various firms including Standard Motor Company, Alvis and Wickmans as a secretary and a shorthand typist and she too continued with her career in Australia until retirement in 1994.

The couple went over to Australia via the Assisted Passage Scheme. It cost them pounds 10 to emigrate and it was a six-week journey for them by boat. Their decision to emigrate was made because they wanted a better life for their children, Peter and Dawn. They now also have six grandchildren who keep them busy.

The couple, who are enjoying their retirement, collect stamps and Wedgwood pottery.

IDA AND JEFF FARNALL

VOLUNTEER workers Ida and Jeff Farnall, of Earlsdon Avenue North, Coventry, celebrated their golden wedding on July 18.

They met at a dance at the Rialto casino and married at Allesley parish church. The couple, who have two children, Jillian and Stephen, celebrated their anniversary with a party for family and friends.

Jeff and Ida do a lot of work for charity. Jeff was made an MBE in 1978 and got the opportunity to meet Prince Charles.

Jeff, who is president of Coventry Mencap, also founded Chapelfields Athletic Football Club and was secretary and organiser for the Coventry Junior Church Football League.

He worked at the Ministry of Food and after war service in the Royal Marines, he spent 32 years in the Civil Service.

Ida was a member of Coventry Godiva Harriers and was for a time captain of the ladies team. She has worked for Kensington Laundry and for Rootes Humber.

NANCY AND HENRY EVANS

DIAMOND wedding couple Nancy and Henry Evans celebrated their anniversary on July 17.

Daughter Mary says of Mum: "In her working days she was very active and is loved by everybody. Her carers love her and my dad. He bakes cakes for them." She added that Mum is "such a smiley individual and she gives so much strength to everyone else".

The couple have 11 children, 33 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren and there is always one of them around visiting.

Henry is a former Coventry City Player and belonged to the club 45 years ago when Billy Frith was manager. He was also a mineworker for 25 years and also worked for Rootes, which was later to become Peugeot, and retired at Haddon and Abbotts.

Nancy, who likes reading magazines and watching Coronation Street, was an employee of GEC and was also in charge at a restaurant.

The couple have been receiving flowers, cards and chocolates from relatives who visited to help them celebrate.