Hunstanton couple celebrate 75 years of marriage

James and Joy Skinner married on Joy's 21st birthday, 17th September 1949.

A play performed on Friday 14th December 1945, that had been one of the biggest West End and Broadway hits of the 1920s, was a turning point for two young people.

James Skinner had just come off stage, having played the male lead in Sutton Vane’s Outward Bound, when he spotted his friend Colin who was accompanied by his cousin Joy. A Christmas Party had been arranged and Colin thought Joy would be the perfect date for James. He was right!

Joy worked in London as a manicurist where she was apprenticed to her Uncle Fred, the proprietor of a hairdressing salon at the Piccadilly Hotel. She met many of her uncle’s celebrity clients including film stars of the day, radio and music hall stars, and people in government including Arthur Greenwood, former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

She recalls rushing to catch her train home from Paddington one evening and taking an empty seat in the compartment. The man next to her offered her his paper and turning towards him she found herself staring at the very handsome film star David Niven in his Army Major’s uniform.

Called up on his 18th Birthday in 1946, James was a pay clerk in the RAF looking after the pay from Warrant Officer downwards.

James and Joy were married on Joy’s twenty-first birthday, 17th September 1949, at Our Lady of Lourdes and St Michael’s Church in Uxbridge. Joy’s dress came from Oxford Street, and she carried a beautiful bouquet of red carnations. James’ sister Diana was bridesmaid, and his friend Derek Fitzgibbon was best man. Children followed with Sue in 1957 and Lisa completing the family in 1961. They now have a granddaughter and two great grandchildren.

There are two great loves in James’ life, Joy and theatre. He has written numerous articles for the Best of British magazine, published nine books, and appeared on the cover of ‘Amateur Stage’ magazine in 1955. He has performed in and directed ninety-three amateur productions spanning over sixty years. Joy has joined James on stage three times but says it wasn’t really for her.

Amongst James’ professional credits are working as an extra in the Great Gatsby, The Innocent Sleep, several advertising and industrial films, a Midland Bank commercial and stage production of The Caine Mutiny Court Martial.

The couple moved to Hunstanton in 2005, and James joined the Princess Theatre Club appearing in Cash on Delivery in 2007 and directing There Goes the Bride in 2008.

David Young provided the music for their party on 20th September when the couple celebrated with friends and family. The couple danced to the Last Waltz, and a card from the King and Queen was on display!

Asked what their secret was for seventy- five years of marriage, Joy replied: “It could be that we love each other.”