Battle couple celebrate diamond anniversary

Brenda Pendrey, 80, originally from Sidcup, Kent met her future husband David, 81, at a birthday party whilst he was on leave from the Navy in 1958.

The couple agreed that is was ‘love at first sight’, and they courted for three years until they married at the Holy Redeemer Church in Sidcup on March 18, 1961.

In the first years of their marriage, Brenda worked at an insurance office in London and David as an ambulance driver in Bromley. In April 1963 the couple welcomed their daughter, Debbie.

Whilst together Brenda and David owned several businesses, the last being Terry’s Fruit Bowl in Battle High Street after they moved to town in the mid 70s to be closer to family.

After retirement Brenda, who now resides at Mulberry House in St Leonards, did lots of charity work for the Battle Baptist Church, St Michaels Hospice and many other charity shops.

Brenda and David believe their secret to a long and happy marriage has been always saying ‘I love you’ and always giving each other a kiss before going to bed.

On March 8, coronavirus restrictions were changed and gave David the chance to see his wife for the first time in a year – the longest the pair had ever been separated.

He said: “This year has been such a difficult time and I was worried we were going to have to miss spending our 60th anniversary together.

“I couldn’t tell you the relief and joy I felt when restrictions changed and I could see my soul mate again.

“Especially to celebrate six decades of marriage!”

“I am grateful that we found Mulberry House, the staff have been so caring and loving to Brenda over such terrible times and it has helped me so much being able to phone staff twice a day for updates.”