TWO sisters who got married on the same day 50 years ago returned to the reception venue at the Eagle House Hotel in Launceston recently to celebrate their golden wedding together.

Helen and Anne Cooper were wed to Maitland Wilbourne and Peter Harris respectively in a joint ceremony in March 1968, at what was then the Upton Cross Methodist Chapel.

The young women were the daughters of Clarice and Den Cooper, who farmed at Newland Farm in the village. Anne and Peter are from Launceston and have lived in the town for the past 20 years.

The two newlywed couples had their wedding reception at the Eagle House Hotel in Launceston.

The four of them returned to the same hotel for a sumptuous afternoon tea to celebrate the 50th anniversary, together with their five children, eight grandchildren and members of the wider family.

Also present at the anniversary event were bridesmaids and ushers from their wedding day.

Elaine Libby, of Rebecca’s florist, Liskeard, said: “Being a bridesmaid for Helen and Maitland and Anne and Peter was a memorable occasion — perhaps only topped by being able to provide the flowers for the celebration 50 years on!”

Staff at the Eagle House Hotel said the hotel was delighted to have been so much a part of the family’s history.

Owner of the Eagle House Hotel, Rebecca Perry said: “It was fantastic that we were able to recreate a little of the magic for this joint celebration, and we send our congratulations to both couples.”