Reason to celebrate (From Penarth Times)

Reason to celebrate

A LLANDOUGH couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary by having a party for more than a hundred of their family and friends.

Vilma and Mal Ireson met at Ely Welfare Club more than 50 years ago and lived for 18 years in Llandough North.

They now live in Dochdwy Road and have a daughter, Linda, 49, who lives in Dinys Powys, and has two children.

Their son Les, 46, has three daughters and lives in Barry.

Vilma, 69 and Mal, 72, married on October 11, 1952 at St David's Church, Cowbridge Road.

Mal had to go into national service in the army after they were married so Vilma was on her own for two years while he served in Hong Kong.

Mal had only just qualified as a plumber two weeks before he was called up for national service.

They decided to get married so that Vilma could have a marriage allowance from the army. With only two-and-a-half weeks to secure a marriage licence, the service was a small event, with only close family attending.

They had a house ready to move into but Vilma did not want to live there on her own so she lived with her mother until Mal came home.

It was not long before baby Linda came along and soon after another addition, Les, arrived. Mal went back to being a plumber and soon started his own business, which lasted as long as the marriage has.

The business was run with a friend, Allan, who retired just last year.

The happy couple have been playing bowls for more than 17 years and still enjoy the sport. They play bowls indoors and out as often as possible in Barry and Sully