Fontwell couple celebrate platinum wedding anniversary

Hal and Rhona Randall marked their 70th year of marriage on June 7 with a celebratory lunch. The couple are temporarily staying at Claremont Lodge, Fontwell Avenue.

They usually live in one of the cottages in the grounds, but are staying in the care home until Mrs Randall fully recovers after breaking her hip about a month ago.

Mrs Randall said their special anniversary had been a wonderful day.

Mr Randall, 93, met his wife after his youngest sister told him she was one dishy brunette not to miss.

Mr Randall said: “I had four sisters and they all went to school with Rhona. My younger sister was in a play and she told me I should come along as I ought to see a particularly dishy, beautiful brunette.

“I went along saw her and fell for her.”

After their initial meeting the couple used to play tennis together at Mr Randall’s family home in Blackwater, Hampshire.

About two years after they met the couple were married in Camberley, Surrey at St Tarcisius Church.

Mrs Randall said: “It was a lovely family wedding. The weather was a bit overcast in the morning but by the afternoon it was brilliant sunshine.”

The couple have lived in Fontwell for about three years.