MARRIED in Crediton this month in 1974, Andy and Julie Cole celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on a Greek island with their family, writes Sue Read.

Both were born and brought up in Crediton, going to school there, working in the town, living and working in Yeoford and now back living in Crediton. 

From school Julie’s first job was with Lloyds Bank, then to the Bradford and Bingley Building Society on the High Street, followed, for a time, with what was Paul’s and White’s, animal food producers on Lords Meadow Industrial Estate, by which time they were married. 

Andy began work in Crediton at A J Cox, moving on to the Copplestone abattoir, before becoming a driver delivering for Paul’s for 27 years with his own lorry.  He then became a driver for steel fabricators Conibear Brothers on Lords Meadow, latterly driving a pick-op truck for them until last year.

Looking for something that would tie in with young children, Andy and Julie hit on the idea of a village Post Office.

Yeoford was looking for new owners and they took that over in 1986, Julie running it on her own with casual help.

When they left the Post Office in 2002, they continued to live in Yeoford until they moved back to Crediton.  

She worked at Newcombes Surgery until 2012, worked on advertising for “Village Voice”, the Yeoford parish magazine, and was one of the founder members of Yeoford Yarns more than 25 years ago.

Andy began playing rugby when he was 15, played for Devon Colts and for England Young Farmers’, played 527 times for Crediton First team then went to Exeter, playing 40 First Team games there.

Julie was Social Secretary for Crediton Rugby Club as well as being in the team who made the teas and dinners for the club.

Andy has been a member of Crediton Hamlets Parish Council for more than 25 years and has been vice chairman.

He is also a member of Crediton United Charities and of Newcombes Housing Association.  They had two children - Rachel, and Daniel who died in an accident at work in 2002 - and two grandchildren.