Eldon Raynor has a long reputation for being a high scorer. Just one week after one of his stellar Cup Match performances, the St. George's Cricket Club star was walking down the aisle of Grace Methodist Church an attractive young school teacher, the former Barbara Tweed of North Shore, Pembroke.

They were setting the stage for the best 50 Eldon, a former all-round cricketer, footballer and nowadays ace golfer, could possibly make.

A week ago more than 200 family, fans and admirers from near and far joined at the Fairmont Southampton for a gala celebration of the golden wedding of Eldon and Barbara. This time around, the latter had sharing the spotlight the two talented and popular children of the marriage, Wanda Raynor and Eldon, Jr., along with their only grandchild, ten-year old Haley Raynor.

Also in attendance were Barbara's three attendants at the marriage, maid of honour Veronica Wilson Phillips, Davina Swan Blakeney, the three of whom attended Teachers Training College together in Canada, and the bride's sister-in-law, Meredith Taylor Raynor.

Eldon's best man was his cousin and rival Somerset Cup Match icon Sheridan Raynor; his brother Ivan Raynor and Barbara's brother, the Rev. Dr. Kingsley Tweed. Kingsley, who has been living abroad for nearly a half century, did not make the gala from his home in London.

But Kingsley was well represented at the head table by his son, the Rev. Nicholas Tweed. Nicholas is the Presiding Elder of the Manhattan District of the AME Church's New York Conference.

The gala was highlighted by an endless round of singing, dancing and toasting. Both the Raynor children are accomplished singers and entertainers. They took turns serenading their parents with sentimental solos and duets backed by the Tom Ray Band. Barbara's brother, Keith Tweed, who has an inimitable reputation as a saxophonists in New York and on the local entertainment circuit, played his part as well as former Somerset Cup Match star Jackie Durham with his solo "My Way".

Wanda, incidentally, made a name for herself for some time on the entertainment circuit in Los Angeles. She is now a music teacher at St. David's and Elliott Schools, as well as a professional singer with the Tom Ray Band. Eldon, Jr. is now is making his mark in the gospel and rhythm and blues genre after earlier stints with the Youth Creation Band and the band 'Justice.'

Guests from abroad, who came to Bermuda especially for the celebration, were Adrian Brown, New York; Jay and Nan Johnson, Virginia; Imogene and Doyle Nelson, Florida; Mhaley Gowles, New Jersey; Dorothy Peaks, Texas; Barbara's brother Keith and his wife Pearl Tweed from Florida.

Eldon and Barbara Raynor (top) shown making their grand entrance at their golden wedding gala. Looking on are Jan and Nan Johnson of Virginia; maid of honour, Veronica Wilson Phillips; Adrian Brown of New York; and partially hidden Barbara cousin, AME Manhattan District Presiding Elder, Rev. Nicholas Tweed. Below: Barbara and Eldon with their offspring, Wanda and Eldon, Jr. and the latter's daughter Haley. Middle: With their attendants at Grace Methodist Church, Pembroke of 50 years ago Veronica Wilson Phillips, Davina Swan Blakeney and Meredith Taylor Raynor. Eldon's only attendant present was his cousin Sheridan Raynor. On the far left is his brother Gladwin Raynor, husband of bridesmaid Meredith. – Photos courtesy of official photographer David DeSilva.