Couple celebrates five dedicated decades

UMHLANGA residents, Bevan and Mabel Armitage, celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on 15 June last week.

The two met during a social outing with a large crowd of friends. At the time Mabel (16) had gone on a date with Bevan’s (18) brother, but the duo discovered instantly that they were drawn to each other. “We just clicked. The two of us just formed an instant bond and our relationship just grew from there,” said Bevan.

Two years later Bevan proposed, and after a year of planning and preparations the couple exchanged their vows. The couple spent 15 years of their marriage in their hometown, Krugersdorp, before moving down to uMhlanga. The move was prompted by a new job opportunity for Bevan, who worked as the manager of a company.

The couple has two daughters and a son, as well as six grandchildren.

When asked what the success to their marriage was, Mabel said that they rarely argue. “When we do have arguments they are short-lived. We don’t hold grudges, but we do make a point of holding hands and doing things together. We are also honest with each other,” she said.

The couple’s son spoilt them with an intimate dinner to celebrate the prestigious milestone.