FIFTY years-ago a Yeadon couple spent their honeymoon on the Isle of Man and now, after all these years, they have been back to the island to retrace their steps on the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary, writes Barry Pennett.

George and Jean Crompton, of Harrogate Road, Yeadon, recalled their wedding day 50 years-ago, when they were married at St Margaret's Parish Church, Horsforth, by Archdeacon Lovell-Clarke on August 3 1948.

"I remember we flew out of Yeadon Aerodrome in an eight or 12-seater Dragon Rapide.

"We were the only passengers on the 'plane and because there were only single seats we had to sit opposite each other with the aisle in between," said 75 year-old Mr Crompton.

They stayed in Port Erin and throughout their honeymoon the weather was perfect.The summer of 1948 was memorable for the Cromptons for another occasion.

It was the visit to Headingley of the most famous Australian team of all time to visit these shores. Don Bradman, reputed to be Australia's finest ever batsman, was making his farewell test tour and because of this they delayed their wedding so they could see the test match at Headingley.

Mrs Crompton, 74, was born in Armley but grew up in Horsforth. She sings soprano in the choir of Yeadon Methodist Church , is secretary of the Women's Fellowship and is the Circuit Network president for the Methodist Church until September. She is a member of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and enjoys walking.

Mr Crompton was born in Yeadon and attended Yeadon South View School, Aireborough Grammar School and the City of Leeds College.

A retired teacher, Mr Crompton started teaching at South View Junior School in 1947 where he spent eight years.

He taught at St Peter's C of E School, Town Street, Rawdon from 1955 until his retirement in 1984.

He has been connected with Yeadon Methodist Church for many years. He is the property steward and was at one time a Sunday school teacher. He served with the Royal Air Force as a wireless mechanic in South Africa, Ceylon, Burma and Java.

The couple, who met while pupils at Aireborough Grammar School, have two sons Richard, Brian, a daughter Elizabeth and three grandchildren.

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