LINDA LINDA
30th August 1958:
A sunny day in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne - a young couple tied the knot wondering what the future had in store.
Bryan MØOIC RSARS 3867
Call-up papers for the groom to commence his obligatory National Service as from 5th February 1959 decided their future travels. The birth of daughter Angela some 4 years later, followed by Andrew 7 years later dispelled any rumours that at age 17 years Linda had to get married. The fact that they celebrated their 50th Anniversary on 30th August 2008 also negates any suspicions that it wouldn't last.
Ignoring activities laid on by the kids the half-century celebrations started with a wonderful bouquet of flowers being delivered first thing, signalling "Love and best wishes" from Dick G3NVK and his dear lady Jo, a wonderful and appropriate start.
A few weeks earlier Sam G4OHX popped the question "What are you doing over your anniversary weekend?" A few anxious days later (problems with domestic cats!) we drove down to meet Sam and Grace for the first time and to enjoy a BBQ at Ormesby. They had graciously invited us to stay for a few days but as mentioned our cat restricted our sojourn to the day of 31st August only.
Departing at 7am we were saddened to note that we were driving in thick fog which did not bode well but at 52 miles from Ormesby (according to Satnav) the fog lifted and we were in sunshine and soon meeting Sam and Grace for the first time.
We were joined by Alan G4BXQ and Brenda, Tom GØSCP and Brenda, and Sam and Grace's daughter Debbie with husband Neil making a happy party number of ten. It should have been a party of fourteen but sadly other priorities and health problems took their toll
31st August 2008: A sunny day at Ormesby St. Margaret, Norfolk - it could be said that it was a memorable occasion for Linda and Bryan but that would definitely be an understatement. Wonderful celebrations had been prepared and organised by Sam and Grace even down to the cake, which was as tasteful as it looked, to commemorate the event. Sam toasted the happy couple and wished them many more happy years in the future and we will make sure that we don't let them down
Obviously it wasn't just the proceedings that Sam and Grace organised - when leaving in the evening it was but a few miles along the road that evidence of rain became apparent judging by the puddles. Twenty miles from Ormesby we were now driving in rain which was with us until arriving home in Chilwell. So to Sam and Grace not only our grateful thanks for a wonderful, memorable day but also for our being able to enjoy it all in glorious sunshine.
And our thanks to all the others who were able to be present for making the effort and sharing the moment with us.
The photographs give you an idea of what a great time we all had.
Linda 2E1SIS RSARS 3900
Rear: Tom GØSCP (former Thursday afternoon 40m Net) - Sam G4OHX (currently Tuesday morning 40m Net) - Bryan MØOIC (Tuesday afternoon 80m Net) - Neil (son-in-law of Sam & Grace) - Alan G4BXQ (Tuesday and Thursday evening 80m Nets)
Front: Linda 2E1SIS (XYL Bryan MØOIC) - Brenda (XYL Tom GØSCP) - Debbie (Daughter of Sam & Grace) - Brenda (XYL Alan G4BXQ) - Grace (XYL Sam G4OHX)
Grace and Sam - our hostess and host for the day
Who asked "Who controls the Controllers?"