A COPPLESTONE couple will celebrate their Diamond Wedding anniversary tomorrow, Monday, June 25.
Keith and Jennifer Bedford say the focus of their life has been their family and business.
They were married on June 25 in 1958 at Ottery St Mary Congregational Church.
Mrs Bedford’s parents were bakers and she used to help in the shop.
Keith Bedford was born at Higher Chilverton, Coldridge and went to Coldridge School with his brothers, finishing his education at North Tawton.
He joined Coldridge building family J J Burrows to learn the trade with Jeff Burrows’ father Charlie before starting his own business before he and Jennifer were married.
He built their first home, a bungalow at Zeal Monachorum, and 37 years ago, they moved to Copplestone to the home Mr Bedford built.
From the building trade, Mr Bedford moved into haulage and warehousing, working from a site on Lords Meadow Industrial Estate, Crediton.
He also began the firm Kirton Commercials, retiring 22 years ago.
A singer, he met his wife at a male voice singing festival.
They have been long-time members of Allerbridge Chapel and Mrs Bedford was a member of the Ladies Group, which made clothes to send abroad to help others, especially in India and Africa.
They have two children, Julie and Neil and four grandchildren, Jade, Oliver, Harry and Jack.
Keith and Jennifer said that they are very proud of their children and grandchildren and of their achievements.