GOLDEN WEDDING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 71, Issue 36, 22 November 1950, Page 6

GOLDEN WEDDING

MR AND MRS H. OAKLEY A happy family event of interest in Willowby was the celebration of the golden wedding anniversary of Mr and Mrs Herbert Oakley. Herbert Robert Oakley, the fourth son of Mr and Mrs John Oakley, Halkett, was married to Catherine Louisa, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Thomas Wakeliam, Tinwald, at the Tinwald Presbyterian Church on November 14, 1900., Most of their married life has been spent around the Willowby district with the exception of seven years at Mitcham. Mrs Oakley came from England on the Rangitiki at the age of two, and after a brief education was “in service” before the age of 12. She remembers the forming of Ford’s Road while still quite a young girl. The celebrations on Saturday began with a, short service conducted by the Rev. J. C. A. Williams, during which Miss R. H. Lill played a ’cello solo, “Largo,” and Mrs J. C. A. Williams sang the solo “Stranger of Gallilee.” Miss M. M. Lill was organist and favourite hymns were sung. Following this a reception was held in the Methodist Sunday School Hall, at which among the 50 guests were one of the bridesmaids, Mrs Johns, and the best man, Mr Wm. Oakley. Other immediate relatives present were their daughter, Mrs G. Hill, Addington, and their son, Mr John Oakley, Hororata, and six grandchildren, and Mesdames Lees and Lauder, and Mr W. Wakeham. The three-tier cake, which was made and beautifully iced by their daughter-in-law, Mrs John Oakley, was cut during afternoon tea, to which a feAV intimate friends were invited.