Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
David Hall (right) makes sure his parents, Ira and Patricia are comfortable. The Halls celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a dinner held at Tropical Elegance, Cunningham Avenue on Sunday, May 1, 2005. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
IT HAS been 50 years of marital bliss for Ira and Patricia Hall and their children and family wanted to celebrate with them.
The Halls were treated to an anniversary dinner at Tropical Elegance on Cunningham Avenue on Sunday May 1. About 60 guests turned up to celebrate the landmark event. The anniversary was actually on April 16, but the dinner gave some relatives more time to fly down.
The golden anniversary theme was evident in the decor with golden bows tied around the chairs. The couple sat at the head table with gold pepper lights behind them. The number '50' was symbolised by an inflated number five and a cluster of gold balloons. An archway of lilies with gold ribbons tied to it stood at the front of the dining area. Guests enjoyed soothing music as they eagerly awaited the start.
The Halls renewed their vows and had the symbolic cutting of cake; just like they did it 50 years before. Of course, being a 'wedding' of sorts, guests soon started knocking their glasses in anticipation of the ever popular kiss. The Halls eventually complied.
FULL OF PRAISE
David Hall, their son, was full of praise for his parents.
"Like most parents in a working class situation, they stressed education. They provided a very disciplined and stable home environment," he said.
Ira Hall worked for decades at Kingston Terminal Operators and in David's eyes, that dedication to hard work left its mark on the children. He described his mother as the one who stayed home, keeping the household together.
"In a way, she was the disciplinarian. She saw to the homework, managed your sports or church activities. In her community, she always shared, cared and gave what she had," he remembered.
The highlight for some persons was the slide show where pictures of anniversary celebrations of the past and other family photos including birthday parties were displayed. The audience laughed as they
marvelled how the children had changed over the years.
