A CHANCE encounter on a bus began a lifelong journey for William and Pamela Bean, who have celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary.

The couple, who tied the knot at All Saints' Church, Newchurch, on July 24, 1954, marked their 70th anniversary with a family gathering at The Fighting Cocks in Arreton on Wednesday last week.

Through their son, Graham Bean, the family was "honoured to celebrate the love, joy and happiness the couple have brought over the years".

The couple first met when William, best known as Jim, spotted "a very pretty young lady" with a group of her friends on a bus journey.

Jim and Pamela Bean on their wedding day in 1954.Jim and Pamela Bean on their wedding day in 1954. (Image: Graham Bean)

Jim and Pamela Bean raise a glass to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.Jim and Pamela Bean raise a glass to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. (Image: Contributed)

They started chatting and Jim, "full of charm and with a twinkle in his eye", managed to convince Pamela to go out with him on a date.

At the time, Jim worked with his parents on their farm at Queen Bower, near Apse Heath, until he was called up for National Service.

Upon a return visit to the Island, Jim realised he was still in love with Pamela and popped the question. 

Pamela said she knew Jim was the man for her.

At their wedding, Jim’s brother, George, was his best man, while Pamela (nee Foad), was walked down the aisle by her brother, Robert, and attended by bridesmaids, Sheila and Pat.

A reception held at Queen Bower farm and a honeymoon in Folkstone, followed. They then spent their first year living in the New Forest, while Jim completed his National Service.

The couple then moved back to the Island and settled in nearby Alverstone — where they have lived happily ever since, in the same house, where their four children (Sue, Tina, Derek and Graham) were born and raised.

Jim worked in the maintenance division at Southern Vectis for 46 years, while Pamela held various part-time jobs to help support the family.

(Image: Graham Bean)

Pamela enjoys cooking with their home-grown vegetables. Her sweet treats are legendary, with her recipes for cherry cupcakes and bread and butter pudding travelling far and wide with her grandchildren.

"They are dedicated to caring for one another. They love their garden and have been growing their own fruits and vegetables for many years. Dad is still planting vegetables this year," said Graham, who lives in Australia, but is visiting the Island next month.

Jim and Pamela, both aged 89, have nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

"My parents are very well-loved and respected and are amazing role models — not only as a couple, but also in the warmth, kindness and care they show to everyone they meet," Graham adds.