Congratulations from many quarters have reached Mr. and Mrs. James Henry Smith, of 73 Queen Street, Rushden, whose 50^th year of married life was completed on Christmas Day.

Mr. Smith was born at Brigstock, and is now 73 years of age and Mrs. Smith, who is a native of Newport Pagnell is 69. There were twelve children of the marriage and eight of them- four sons and four daughters – “Have grown up and married” to use Mrs. Smith’s expression. The youngest son was killed in the war. Mr. and Mrs. Smith rejoice in thirteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

They have lived in Rushden 40 years and for a large portion of this period Mr. Smith held the post of caretaker of the Co-operative Hall. Still reluctant to go into complete retirement, he now has a light job at the hall. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were married at the Tabernacle, Wellingborough by Pastor Bull and they now attend the Independent Wesleyan Church. Both are active and contented and on Christmas Day they spent happy hours in company with those of their children and grandchildren who live in the town and neighbourhood.