By Karen and Tim Webb

HENLEY-ON-KLIP. – On the 23rd of June 1956, John and Edwina (nee Hardman) Blake tied the knot in a church ceremony in Birkenhead, The Wirral, UK. Little did they know then that they would one day celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in a new country – South Africa!

Their married life is, and was, chequered with many adventures and opportunities, of which they recount with much hilarity and sometimes sadness.

They have a son and three daughters, all of whom are now married with children and for two of them, with grandchildren of their own.

Therefore, John and Edwina are the doting grandparents of eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

They arrived in South Africa in November ‘99 to join two of their daughters and three grandchildren already living here (in fact, we often muse we were probably on the same flight to SA and just didn’t know it).

They settled in Alberton and moved to Henley 17 years ago, which is where we met. One of their granddaughters and our two children were in the same pre-school. We met in the playground and have been friends ever since!

The 23rd of June 2021 was John and Edwina’s 65th wedding anniversary – their sapphire anniversary!

We attended an intimate gathering at their home (due to Covid restrictions) but a fine shindig was had by all! Once this pandemic is over, we’ll make it up to you, John and Edwina, and we’ll roll out the red carpet!

We know that those with the good fortune to have John and Edwina in their lives wish them all the love and congratulations in the world, and we all send our heartfelt admiration.

“We salute you!”

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