A COUPLE who first courted at Ryde Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Heather Hewison, 75, and Adrien, 77, of Seaview, had a special blessing after mass at St Mary's Church, Ryde, on the same date they were married there 50 years ago.

Heather, whose father was in the RAF marine section, was born in Fawley, Hampshire, and attended the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, Gosport, to train as a physiotherapist.

Adrien, born in Ryde, attended St John's College, Southsea, and then Bristol University where he took a degree in law.

After they met, the couple moved to Guildford where Adrien attended the Solicitors' College of Law and Heather worked at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

They eventually came back to the Island together, living in Ryde.

Adrien worked at solicitors including John Robinson and Jarvis, Ryde and Joyce Bundy and Cross, Yarmouth, which merged with RJR Solicitors. He retired in 2000 as senior partner.

Heather worked at St Mary's Hospital, initially as the only physiotherapist on the wards during the morning and in outpatients in the afternoon.

The couple have always had an active sporting life with both being involved in the tennis club and Ryde Golf Club.

Adrien has also been President of Ryde Mead Lawn Tennis Club and twice president of the Island Catenians, a Catholic men's society. He also helps with reading at St Mary's Primary School, Ryde.

Heather was part of the Island Life group supporting pregnant women and helped to set up the initial creche facilities at Camp Hill Prison as well as being involved with St Mary's Church.

They celebrated with 55 family and friends, including many who were there on the wedding day with a party at Ryde Cricket Club, which was attended by Heather's sister, Hazel Tayler, who flew in from Bermuda.

They have three children, Anne-Marie, Christopher and Catherine and three grandchildren Benjamin, 15, Emilie, eight, and Lydia, six.