Couple reach matrimonial milestone for Brockmoor church (From Dudley News)

Couple reach matrimonial milestone for Brockmoor church

2:14pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in News

A COUPLE are celebrating after discovering they reached a matrimonial milestone for a Brockmoor church close to their hearts.

Sidney and Vivienne Wheeler, from Twickenham Court in Stourton, wed at St John's Church in Brockmoor, 64 years ago which makes their marriage the longest on the church's register where the bride and groom are still alive.

Their story came to light following an appeal in the News during research for an exhibition about marriages which took place recently at the Leys Road church.

To mark the discovery church Reverend Beryl Pritchett, called on the couple for a chat about their life-long love affair.

Rev Pritchett said: "It is a wonderful example to us all, Their faith has remained strong.

"It was lovely to share the exhibition and memories - a real privilege. We had 30 or 40 photos, wedding albums and other memorabilia."

Former funeral director Sidney, aged 94, has strong connections to the church where he was organist for 21 years.

Vivienne, aged 89, believes sticking together for more than six decades is about mutual understanding.

She said: "We have always supported each other in what we have done. We have or differences and just talked it out, we have never gone to bed not being friends."