Torpoint’s Brian and Joan Jones: 70 years and a King’s card

Seventy years ago, a young couple walked out of St James Church and started married life in Torpoint. They never left. To mark seven decades together, Brian and Joan Jones have opened a card signed by the King and the Queen.

📷Brian and Joan Jones on their wedding day in 1956 - Credit: Torpoint Town Mayor

A wedding at St James Church

Brian and Joan Jones married on 4 August 1956 at St James Church. Their wedding reception was held at the Masonic Hall, and the black and white photograph from the day shows the pair arm in arm, Brian in a dark suit and Joan in a lace gown and veil.

Seventy years is the Platinum anniversary, one of the rarest milestones a marriage can reach.

📷Anniversary bouquet and a bottle of Bollinger champagne in the couple's kitchen - Credit: Torpoint Town Mayor

A lifetime in Torpoint

The couple have lived their entire married life in Torpoint, where they raised their three children, Kevin, Gareth and Gaynor. The anniversary brought bouquets and cards to the house, along with a bottle of Bollinger champagne standing beside the flowers.

📷Official portrait of the King and Queen sent with the anniversary card - Credit: Torpoint Town Mayor

A card from the King and Queen

Among the congratulations was a card carrying the royal cypher, addressed to Mr Brian and Mrs Joan Jones and signed by both the King and the Queen.

We send you our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on the celebration of your Platinum Wedding anniversary on 4th August, 2026. May your celebrations be particularly happy and memorable.

It was signed Charles R and Camilla R.

A visit from the Mayor

Torpoint’s Town Mayor and Andy called in on the couple on the day itself, bringing a bouquet of their own. The Mayor said they were “absolutely delighted” to visit Brian and Joan on the occasion of their Platinum Wedding Anniversary, and to be a small part of such a special day.

It was not the first time. The couple were also congratulated on their Golden Wedding anniversary 20 years ago, so this was a return visit two decades in the making.

“Huge congratulations to them both,” the Mayor said.

📷The King and Queen's Platinum Wedding anniversary card to Brian and Joan Jones - Credit: Torpoint Town Mayor

📷Torpoint's Town Mayor with Brian and Joan Jones and an anniversary bouquet - Credit: Torpoint Town Mayor