INTREPID Joan Mitchell turned super sleuth to settle a long-standing family mystery - and prove her sister got married half a century ago.

The 72-year-old said there has always been doubt as to when Anne and Bill Holohan tied the knot, in 1971.

The lovebirds, who live in Lord Holland Road, Colchester, have previously been unsure whether they wed on January 28, 29 or 30.

And with no photographic evidence, some of their five children have jokingly questioned whether the ceremony ever took place.

However, Mrs Mitchell, who lives in Berechurch Hall Road, turned detective and managed to get a copy of the wedding certificate, confirming the pair married - and will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary - on January 30.

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She has also unearthed a black and white photo of the big day and said: "I'm so pleased to get to the bottom of this long-standing mystery.

"Anne and Bill have never been sure of their wedding date, always believing it to be the 28th or 29th.

"Some of their children have even taken to believing they are not married at all - accusing them of never actually tying the knot.

"A lack of photographic evidence backed up their theory but I knew they were wrong because I was at the ceremony.

"I remember it well and it took place in the registry office on North Hill.

"As a surprise, I sent off for their wedding certificate and am so pleased to finally have confirmation and prove my nieces and nephew wrong."

Gazette:

To add to the confusion, Mrs Mitchell initially misread the certificate and thought it said January 13.

She kept the news secret from her relations and wanted to spill the beans in the Gazette.

Then it was pointed out that the certificate actually says January 30.

"I can't believe I misread the numbers," she said.

"At least we have confirmation of the wedding date, though. That's the main thing.

"I'm very close to my sister and love her dearly.

"She always makes a fuss on people's birthdays so I wanted to acknowledge her day in a special way.

"I'd planned a celebration of some kind but lockdown has put paid to that.

"However, we will still mark the occasion in the best possible way and she will enjoy reading this story in the Gazette.

"She reads the paper every day, so will be stunned.

"She's in the vulnerable category and has taken the pandemic very seriously, rarely venturing out.

"This story will really brighten her up and make her day truly memorable."

In addition to their four daughters and son, Mr and Mrs Holohan, both 73, have 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.