Golden wedding

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 419, 14 January 1992, Page 9

Golden wedding

Family and friends of Gwen and Syd Martin of Ballance Street, Raetihi, gathered recently to hold a surprise dinner and evening for the couple at the Country Classic Lodge in Raetihi. Gwen and Syd were married on 18 November 1941 in the Presbyterian Church in Ohakune and were unable to have a honeymoon as Syd was recalled to Camp the same night for posting overseas immediately, in World War II. Both Gwen and Syd's parents were old identities of the district, Gwen being the daughter of Ivy and Gilberd Wise and Syd, son of Lewis and Annie Martin of Ohakune. After moving away from Raetihi 26 years ago, Gwen and Syd have recently returned home and to share their lives with their families and in particular their grandchildren. Their daughter Denise and her husband Carl live in Port Waikato, and sons Larry and Gil both live in Raetihi with their wives Julia and Margaret and their children. Friends and relatives came from as far away as

Kaikohe, Port Waikato, Whangamata, Taupo, TeKuiti, Wanganui and Palmerston North to help the couple celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in real style. Two vintage cars from the Country Classic Lodge picked up the couple at their house and the cars were appropriately decked out with ribbons and bride doll. Three grandaughters were appropriately attired as flower-girls and a grandson as a page boy as they escorted Gwen and Syd back to the Lodge for the celebrations. A two-tiered wedding cake took pride of place on the table at the bridal dinner and was iced with white and gold decorations. Messages of congratulations were received from the Ruapehu District Council Mayor, Mr Garrick Workman, Dame Cath Tizard, Governor General, th§ Minister of Internal Affairs, and last but not least, the Prime Minister, Mr Jim Bolger. Highlight of the evening was a very special toll call from Bundaberg, Australia, from Gwen and Syd's niece and family.