LONG-time Yellowwood Park residents Bernadette and Derek Pellow-Jarman celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday, 7 November.
The couple met when Bernadette was 17 and Derek 24.
Bernadette lived in Johannesburg and used to visit her sister in Doonside. They married at St Patrick’s Church in Umbogintwini on 7 November, 1964 and moved to Yellowwood in 1968.
Derek was a fitter and turner and worked at Golf Reef City’s Crown Mines, worked two years as a marine engineer and also worked at Ijuba Breweries for 25 years. Bernadette was a tour guide at the Natal Playhouse and was a ghost writer for DMI.
Good chemistry and friendship has kept their marriage going for 50 years. “When Derek is grumpy, we just give him a vitamin B injection,” jokes Bernadette. Looking back on his marriage, Derek said: “I would do it again, somebody had to cook for me.”
Reflecting on married life, Bernadette said: “Communication is important in a marriage and it’s also good to know what the other person is thinking. Couples should live their lives together and treat each other special.”
Bernadette (69) and Derek (76) have three children Martin, Charmaine and David. Sadly their son David died in 1982.The couple said faith has guided them through their marriage and the death of their son.
Bernadette is a member of Stainbank WI and Derek is a keen runner, enjoys gym and cycling. He has completed 12 Comrades Marathons. The couple enjoy their five grandchildren. “We are proud of our family,” said Bernadette. The couple moved to Westville in 2007.
