« Golden Wedding Celebration in Newcastle-on-Tyne » (1883)
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Handysides, of Gateshead

On Wednesday evening, November 28th, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Handysides, of this town, gave a knife and fork tea and fruit banquet to a large number of friends, in celebration of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Handysides, of Gateshead, parents of the host. In addition to relatives many old friends and acquaintances, male and female, were present to do honour to the aged couple, and to participate in the festivities. Among those present were Alderman Charlton, Councillor M. Robson, Mr. W. Peel, and Mr. R. Greenwell, of Gateshead; Mr. W. B. Leighton, Mr. Ralph Cook, Mr. Peter Kidman, and Mr. Fenwick Pickup, of Newcastle. About 100 guests sat down to a splendid repast prepared and presided over by Mrs. W. and Miss Handysides, assisted by many willing hands. The after entertainment was presided over by Mr. Thomas Stokoe. The health of Mr. and Mrs. Handysides, senior, was proposed in suitable terms by Mr. Peter Kidman, and supported by Mr. Leighton, Mr. Cook, and Mr. Robson, all very old and intimate friends of the same. Mr. Thomas Handysides suitably replied. During the evening readings were given by Mr. G. Barron, instrumental music by Miss Handysides and Miss Crabtree, and melodies by Mr. Pickup and Mr. Plumpton. On the motion of Mr. Robert Forster, supported by Mr. D. Wright and the Rev. Henry Yooll, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Handysides for providing the entertainment, which Mr. Handysides acknowledged. Mr. A. Morton read congratulatory letters from Mr. and Mrs. Alderman William Stewart, Mr. George Dodds, of Cullercoats, Mr. Ralph Walton, of North Shields, and others, regretting their inability to attend. An enjoyable meeting was brought to a close with a vote of thanks to the chairman, who on behalf of Mrs. Stokoe presented the venerable couple with a pair of gold dessert spoons. Mr, and Mrs. Thomas Handysides have been members of the Primitive Methodist Connexion for between 50 and 60 years.

Source: The Primitive Methodist World, 6 December 1883