Mapperley Couple Celebrates 65 Years of Marriage and Adventure
Angus and Joyce MacDonald, residents of Mapperley, are set to commemorate their 65th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, February 18. This significant milestone is highlighted by a congratulatory card from the King and Queen, alongside a lifetime filled with shared adventures and dedicated service.
A Rocky Start Leads to Lifelong Partnership
Their journey began at RAF Watnall, where Joyce initially perceived Angus as "the most ignorant man" she had ever encountered. This impression stemmed from a stern reprimand he delivered while serving as the Orderly Corporal. Despite this challenging introduction, Angus, originally from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, eventually won over Joyce, a Nottingham nurse, sparking a partnership that would span decades and continents.
Distinguished RAF Careers and Global Experiences
Angus dedicated 22 years to the RAF supply trade, serving during critical periods such as the Malaya Emergency and receiving a commendation in the Birthday Honours list amid the Cold War. His postings took the family worldwide, including a notable stint in Singapore where he sold an old camera to a subordinate, David Bailey, who later rose to fame as a renowned photographer. Angus advanced to the rank of Flight Sergeant, a career he reflects on with immense pride.
Joyce, born Joyce Butler and raised at 356 Meadow Lane in Nottingham, made history as the first graduate of an innovative RAF scheme that allowed recruits to reside at home instead of barracks. Her participation in this Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire-focused initiative was publicized across the Nottingham Post, showcasing RAF Watnall's success in pioneering this approach.
Family Life and Community Contributions
Following their marriage, Joyce transitioned from her RAF role due to contemporary regulations, embracing motherhood to David and Karen. The family relocated across Nottingham and Germany in support of Angus's career. Their son David continued the military legacy by joining the RAF, eventually settling in Northern Ireland with his family, while daughter Karen remained in Nottingham, raising her two sons.
Upon retiring from the RAF in 1978, the couple returned to Nottingham, where they owned the village shop in Granby. Angus also served as postmaster, managing traditional postal duties long before modern systems like Horizon were introduced. After selling their business, they moved to Gedling, where Angus worked as a manager at Speedo until retirement.
Joyce pursued nursing roles at Boots and Pork Farms before the couple settled into a bungalow and later their current home on Hilton Road in Mapperley. She concluded her career as a nurse at Elmbank Nursing Home, located on the same street.
Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead
As they prepare for a quiet anniversary celebration at home with loved ones, Angus and Joyce are organizing their photographs. Their new card from the King and Queen will be displayed alongside the greeting from the late Queen Elizabeth for their 60th anniversary, with space reserved for a future card from King William in a decade.
