Music and dancing brought Rhondda couple Jean and Brynley John together when they first met at a local youth club in 1950.
And the couple, of Tyntyla Road, Llwynypia, who celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary recently, have told how music played a large part throughout their long and happy marriage.
The couple first met at Bodringallt Youth Club, Ystrad, where local youngsters were entertained with singing and dancing. Brynley left for the RAF soon after they met and was stationed in Germany. On his return, in 1952, he and Jean married at St Stephen’s Church, Ystrad.
Bryn and Jean were big fans in their younger days of singing star Al Jolson and ‘went everywhere’ to see Jolson’s films. Bryn joined the Treorchy Male Choir on leaving the RAF and sang with them for 20 years. “Singing is wonderful. It’s the most rewarding experience,” he said.
During their working lives, Jean was a cook in Llwynypia Day Centre. Bryn was employed by the local Council, building bridges and other steelwork. He later worked as a welder and fitter in Treorchy and went on to become deputy manager of Llwynypia Day Centre.
The couple’s only daughter, Linda, who has sadly passed away, was a talented singer. Linda won a number of competitions and appeared on popular TV show New Faces.
Jean, aged 81, and Bryn, 83, have two grandchildren, Rachel and Matthew; one great granddaughter, Seren, and one greatgrandson, Lewys.
Both Jean and Bryn worked for many years with people with learning disabilities. They were volunteers for Rhondda Gateway Club, based at Llwynypia Day Centre and, over 40 years, helped stage around 400 shows and pantomimes.
The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on March 29 with a visit from Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Cllr Sylvia Jones, who congratulated them and presented them with a bouquet of flowers.
“Jean and Bryn have spent so many years bringing happiness to other people’s lives. It was a pleasure to spend time with them on this very special occasion,” said Cllr Jones.
“We had a great time – we made a week of it and we had a card from the Queen!” said Bryn.
“Jean and I go to the Emmanuel Christian Centre and also to the old age club in Ystrad. We had a cake there and my great grand-daughter was there. It was fantastic.”
