Golden Wedding - Berryman

Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 31, September 1987

---

Gwen (nee Lusby) met Tom Berryman when she was working at the hospital and Tom was employed in the Martha Mine as a contractor. They were both born in Waihi and had lived all their lives in the town including their 50 years of married life.

The couple were married in St. James' Presbyterian Church on June 27, 1936, by the Rev. A. Marshall. Tom recalled that they did their courting on a pushbike and "it was very dark along the avenue" Gwen said.

After contracting in the mine, Tom joined the Ministry of Works where he worked for 20 years before his retirement 15 years ago. He was a bridge overseer when he retired.

Mrs. Berryman has been associated with the Salvation Army Home League and Civilian Maimed Association. The couple have raised a family of eight who are Tom (Sweden), Ronald (Tauranga), Brian (a Captain in the Salvation Army Fiji), Joy (Mrs. Spraggs, Te Awamutu), Anne (Mrs. Munroe, Blockhouse Bay), Barbara (Mrs. Carrington, Waihi), Kay (Mrs. Keatley, Waihi) and Glenda (Mrs. Halloran, Torbay).

A sumptuous Golden Wedding celebration luncheonwasarranged by the family with 75 guests attending. The happy couple were only disappointed that their three sons were unable to be present with their five sisters at the gathering.