Mary and David Clarke from Falmouth wedding anniversary

Mary and David Clarke from Falmouth only had a couple of hours to get married on August 6, 1959 at Falmouth Registry Office 65 years ago today (August 6).

This was followed by a reception in a local pub, before David had to go back to sea.

At the weekend Mary, now aged 83, and David, now 85, celebrated their sapphire wedding anniversary with a sit down meal with around 55 family members and friends at the Falmouth Hotel.

The couple, who have lived on Grenville Road since 1975, first met when David went to see a film in the old Grand Cinema across from the Grapes pub.

“My dad went to the cinema and he spotted her,” said Rodney. “My mum’s parents were living on The Beacon and dad lived behind them.

“Dad was at sea in the navy and my dad literally had two hours and then he had to go back to sea.

“They had a reception then he had to shoot back to the boat and back out to sea.”

During their marriage the couple had five sons: Colin, James, Shane, Wade and Rodney, also known as Todd.

Mary is one of ten sisters and four brothers while David has ten brothers and four sisters.

They lived at 78 The Beacon then 12 The Beacon before moving to Grenville Road in 1975 where they’ve been ever since.

To celebrate their Sapphire wedding anniversary the couple had a special meal with 55 guests at the Falmouth Hotel at the weekend where they had a “fantastic meal”.

A copy of their wedding song Solomon King’s 1968 hit She Wears My Ring was ordered especially for the occasion all the way from the USA by Rodney.

As it was played, Dave gave Mary a blue sapphire ring bought by the family engraved with the words “Mary and David, Happy Anniversary, 65 years, 1959”.

Rodney says the couple put their long marriage down to love and respect for each other.

“Those are words my dad said when he handed mum the ring,” said Rodney.

Afterwards they were serenaded by Joe and Bruce Grimshaw. They sang them four songs that were special to the happy couple.

“I’m very, very proud of them and have great respect for them for bringing up such a wonderful family, which we appreciate 110%,” said Rodney.

Falmouth Packet | News