Huntingdon shipmates celebrate their Diamond wedding

On the 19th March 2015, two shipmates from Huntingdon & District Branch celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary, a remarkable milestone for anyone. A mere sixty years ago, Lieutenant Graham John ‘Brutus’ Holt and Petty Officer Dawn Marie Boud began their married life at St John’s Church, Blackheath.

On retirement from the Royal Navy and Women’s Royal Naval Service, Graham and Dawn joined the RNA, initially at Bridport Branch where Graham spent a number of years as Branch President. After moving to Cambridgeshire, shipmates Graham and Dawn Holt joined Huntingdon & District Branch. In 2012, Graham was voted in as Branch President (sadly, this was following the Crossing of the Bar of our former President, Chris Thomas).

As members of Huntingdon & District Branch, shipmates Graham and Dawn Holt are often seen out and about, supporting the Branch during their charity collections and local commitments.

Shipmates Graham and Dawn Holt thought they had kept the lid on their celebrations, but what they didn’t know was that shipmate Pete Aston had been in touch with their grandson (who was undergoing officer training at Dartmouth) to get hold of the correct date in order to send flowers, chocolates, a card, and of course, the best wishes of their Branch shipmates.

On the day of their anniversary, shipmates Graham and Dawn Holt received cards and bouquets of flowers from family and friends, but also a letter from Her Majesty The Queen congratulating them on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Later that evening, family members gathered round to celebrate their day. Graham’s sword was used to cut their anniversary cake, just as it had been used sixty years ago to cut their wedding cake.

An amazing achievement by shipmates Graham and Dawn, BZ to you both from your family, friends, and of course, your shipmates.