65th Anniversary Celebrations for Jubilee Court Resident

On Thursday 27th July 2017, Jubilee Court were privileged to be able to help resident Alfred Sturgess and his wife Irene celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary with an invite for high-tea at the award winning ‘Brewery Tea Rooms’ in Walkern.

The couple enjoyed talking about how they met and memories of their wedding day whilst enjoying a glass of champagne with their high-tea. They were joined by Jubilee Court’s Activity Coordinator Ian Chambers who had organised the celebration, and a close friend of the couple named Angela.

The high-tea concluded with a visit from the Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor Pam Stuart, and Consort Mr Tony Turner. Mr and Mrs Sturgess were presented with a card and flowers and they all enjoyed a cup of tea whilst chatting about Alfred and Irene's life together.

Alfred and Irene met when Irene was just sixteen but sadly the couple were forced to have a break due to Alfred being in the army. When Alfred returned home the pair were quickly reunited since a friend of Irene’s informed Alfred where he could find her on her usual cycle route. The couple became keen cyclists and often enjoyed long distance rides.

They married at Barnet Parish Church on 5th July 1952, Irene was 21 and Alfred slightly older at 24. Alfred and Irene then went on honeymoon by train to Paignton and stayed in a B&B in Babbacombe.

Shortly after their marriage they moved to Stevenage where Alfred worked for Kodak. They went on to have two sons and one daughter and have since been blessed with four grandchildren and their first great grandchild is on the way.

The couple had their own anniversary celebration by taking a holiday together which is why the high-tea had been delayed slightly.

Alfred could not believe that everyone had gone to so much effort and thanked The Mayor for joining them on this special occassion.