Thatcham couple celebrate 50 years of marriage

When David and June Powell, aged 76 and 70, tied the knot on June 13, 1964; Alec Douglas-Home was Prime Minister, Nelson Mandela had begun his life imprisonment on Robben Island and The Rolling Stones had released their debut album.
Mr Powell, a former paratrooper, explained how he met his future wife after he fell asleep in the cinema during a break from working at an army recruitment stall at the St Nicolas fair in 1961.
He woke up to find June sat next him and the pair recalled how Mrs Powell’s mother thought he had been drinking.
Mr and Mrs Powell met again at a dance and after three years of dating, chaperoned by Mrs Powell’s mother, the couple were married at Newbury Baptist Church on a beautiful sunny day - June 13, 1964.
However, the couple’s honeymoon was delayed because the best man had crashed Mr Powell’s car into a hedge near Southampton and just made it to the church on time.
The newly-weds honeymooned in Devon and were treated to the best room in the house.
Mr and Mrs Powell had two girls, Mandy and Deborah, and a son, Gareth, and have three grandchildren.
The couple recalled meeting Princess Anne at the opening of the Francis Baily House respite centre for disabled people in Thatcham.
As to the secret of their long-lasting marriage Mr Powell said: “It’s about honesty, understanding and don’t be frightened to talk to one another. Never go to bed on an argument and no matter how bad things get; a trouble shared is a trouble halved.”
Mr and Mrs Powell celebrated with around 60 friends and family at Thatcham Football Club on June 14.