1958 was a year to remember for Tenby’s rugby team and skipper Roy Powling in particular. It was not only a year in which Tenby gained the Pembrokeshire Knock-Out Cup and the Pembrokeshire League Champions Cup for the first time in 10 years, it was also the year Roy and Tenby CP School teacher Nina (both pictured above) were married, with Roy’s team-mates in attendance.

April 5, 2018 was the Diamond Anniversary of that memorable wedding when a silver horseshoe decorated with the red and black colours of Tenby United RFC was displayed prominently at the wedding reception.

Seldom do wedding reports make the front page, as this one did in 1958.

Perhaps it had something to do with the groom, Roy Powling, being captain of Tenby United rugby team at the time. It also helped that the bride, Nina, was a teacher at Tenby CP School. Roy was an electrician at the time; later spent 30 years working for the Prudential Insurance Co.

Born in 1933 the second son of Bert Powling, Roy met Nina Lewis, only daughter of Norman Lewis, at the De Valence Pavilion. They married in April 1958 and, apparently, spent a large part of their honeymoon supporting the schools’ seven-a-side rugby tournament at Roehampton.

Roy’s rugby record is outstanding: he was the first to score 100 points in a season for Tenby United and one of the few to score 1,000 points in total. He has also enjoyed many bowling achievements since joining Tenby Bowling Club in 1973.

The marriage of Roy Powling, of Newell Hill, Tenby and Nina Lewis, of Stammers Road, Saunders-foot, was conducted by Rev. Glyn Evans at St. Issell’s Church. It was a fully choral service with Miss W. Brinn at the organ.

“Entering the church with her father, the bride was charming in a Princess line satin brocade gown with the new short skirt look. Her shoulder length veil was held by an orange blossom head-dress and she carried a bouquet of red roses. Her jewellery consisted of a pearl necklace and matching earrings, the gift of the bridegroom.”

Matron of honour was the Nina’s cousin, Mrs. Valmai Leggatt. Roy’s sister Sylvia Powling was a flower girl, in a lilac organza dress with matching Alice band, a silver bracelet and a posy of white carnations. Best man was John Powling; ushers were P.C. Eric Powling and Malcolm Leggatt.

“As she left the church the bride received the decorated horseshoe from Master Denis Powling, the bridegroom’s youngest brother.”

“Over 60 guests, including the United fifteen, attended the reception at the Cambrian Hotel, Saundersfoot, where on behalf of the team Mr. Owen Morse (a former captain) wished the happy couple every happiness…

“The bridegroom is an engineer with the South Wales Electricity Board at Tenby. Mr. and Mrs. Powling, who will make their home at Vernon House, Tenby, have received many gifts including a chiming clock from the Tenby RFC; a bevelled mirror from the team and a water collour of Tenby Harbour from the staff of the CP School.”

Roy and Nina’s marriage has been blessed with children and grandchildren. We wish them every happiness for their Diamond Anniversary.