‘I’m going to marry that girl!’ So said a young man to his friend when he caught sight of a young woman he had never met. What is remarkable is that he did—and that the marriage is flourishing fifty years later. What is even more remarkable is that this is the story of not just one but two of the seven couples who met for tea at the vicarage recently, in a happy celebration of enduring love and marriage. By the end of February, all the couples will have had their golden wedding anniversary; next month Eric and Jean Bryan, who were married in 1951, will celebrate their diamond anniversary.

Some had met entirely by chance; others through a shared interest, such as a church choir or Altrincham Garrick Society. Alma and Michael Hepworth were clear that sharing was important. ‘It’s the little things you share that make the day,’ said Alma.

Commenting that there are at least a dozen ‘golden’ couples in St Mary’s and St Luke’s, vicar Roger said, ‘Marriage is important in the life of our church. We already have 17 couples who are planning to marry in St Mary’s this year. It will be a joy to see each of them start on the journey of their marriage, just as it is to celebrate with you the love and commitment that has sustained you through all your years together.’ Evelyn Harwood spoke for all the couples when she said, ‘We feel very fortunate in every way.’