A COUPLE from Tavistock have just celebrated 50 years of married life in a hall decorated golden for the special event. More than 76 of Raymond and Marjorie Soper's close family and friends joined in with their golden wedding anniversary celebrations at Gulworthy Parish Hall on February 9 — including all five bridesmaids and the best man. Raymond and Marjorie married at Whitchurch Parish Church on February 8 in 1958. Marjorie, 77, was born at Wheal Maria, outside Tavistock, and Raymond, 74, was born in Mill Hill. They first met each other when they were both at Gulworthy Primary School. The couple got to know each other as friends later as Marjorie was good friends with Raymond's sister, Rita. Their first date was on March 10, 1956 and they were married two years later. Before they got married Marjorie was a cook for a private house in Whitchurch and Raymond worked on a farm in Ivybridge. Once they were married Marjorie moved to Ivybridge where they lived for four years. The pair then moved to several farms for Raymond's work in the South West over the years. The final relocation was to Meadwell, Tavistock. The pair then became caretakers for Tavistock Methodist Chapel where they stayed for 12 years, during this time Raymond also worked at Morwellham Quay until he retired. The couple had three children Jonathan, 49, and Michael, 48, and daughter Sandra, 44. The couple also have three grandchildren. On the secret to a long and happy marriage Raymond said: 'If anyone who has been together for a length of time like we have, has said they haven't had a cross word they are liars. It's healthy.' 'It's a case of give and take — he gives and I take,' joked Marjorie. Marjorie expressed thanks to Barbara, John, Vicky and Hilary for the lovely meal they made for everyone at the anniversary celebration, and to Barbara and Vicky for the beautiful cake.
