Mexborough and Swinton Times May 24, 1929

“Diamond” Wedding.

A Happy Old Bolton, Couple.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rhodes, of 8 Willow Lane, Bolton on Dearne, who celebrated their diamond wedding at the home of their son, Mr. Alfred Rhodes, of 64 Green Lane, Rawmarsh, on Monday.

The couple were married at Beauchief Abbey, near Sheffield, on May 20, 1869 and have lived at Bolton on Dearne for the last 42 years.

Mrs. Mary Ann Rhodes is 83 years of age, and her husband 79 years.

At the celebration on Monday they were congratulated by over 60 friends and relatives who attended. A social evening was spent, and the company highly enjoyed a song by Mr. Rhodes.

Mr. Rhodes was employed as a farm labourer when he first went to Bolton-on-Dearne. By hard work he progressed, and opened a drapery and grocery business at Bolton 25 years ago, and retired successfully three years ago. He is extremely well known at Bolton, and is one of the most interesting personages in the town. He was a hard worker for the Montagu Hospital, Mexboro’, and has been on the committee for 32 years, and when he retired some years ago from the committee the members of the committee expressed their thanks for his splendid work. He is greatly interested in any kind of sport, having been secretary of the Bolton Working Men’s Club for 17 years, and also secretary of the Bolton, Cricket and Sports Club.’

On the occasion of the golden wedding ten years ago he was presented with a silver tea set and egg stand by the Working Men  Club.

He was one of the founders of the Bolton-on-Dearne Burial Club, and was secretary for many years.

Mr. Rhodes is very proud of the fact that he is the oldest member of the Equalised Order of Druids, in the Sheffield district, having joined the order 54 years ago. Mr. Rhodes is still very active, in the best of health, and is well known for his jovial nature.

The couple have had ten children, five sons and five daughters, eight of whom are living. There are four generations in the family. They have 17 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.