Apprenticed to hand-sewn work, Mr. Colton came to Higham Ferrers 53 years ago from Northampton, where he was born. For 35 years he was manager of the Finishing Department at Messrs Charles Parker Ltd., Higham Ferrers, from which position he retired six years ago

Mr. Colton was one of the first to join the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives on its formation, and he was a member before there was a Rushden and District Branch in existence. He sat for some years on the local Board of Arbitration, and was one of the founders of the Higham Ferrers Boot and Shoe Productive Society.

Friendly Society work, too, has interested him, and he was the first Master of the Grape Vine Lodge of the Free Gardeners.

The family of Mr and Mrs. Alfred Colton, of 10a York-road, Higham Ferrers, joined them on Sunday evening to offer congratulations on the golden anniversary of their wedding day. There was also a presentation.

Though only 68, Mrs Colton has had a great-grandchild, which, however, died in infancy.

Mr Colton is 72, and was born at Northampton.

The six children of the marriage all survive, and are Mrs Edward Kilsby, Mr. Arthur Colton, Mrs Frederick Newell (all of Higham Ferrers, Mrs. John Craig, of Beckenham, Kent, Mrs Sidney Robinson, and Mr. William Colton both of Rushden).