Poling diamond couple left ‘speechless’

Vic and Margaret, who live in Poling, have celebrated 60 years of marriage – in the year of the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

And on Thursday, August 9, the couple received a royal seal of approval, with a special message from the Queen congratulating them on their anniversary.

Vic and Margaret were delighted to receive the card, and there was another surprise in store which left them “speechless”, when they were treated to a surprise party organised by their three sons later that week.

The couple were married at St Nicholas’ Church, in Poling, in 1952, where they spent the early years of married life living in a caravan on a field owned by Margaret’s parents, Douglas and Nellie Binsted.

Vic, 83, and originally from East Preston, worked at the former Gateway Building Society’s head office, now Centenary House, Worthing, before he retired, while 81-year-old Margaret, who was born in Poling, worked as a telephone operator.

They returned to Poling in 1984, having spent the majority of the intervening years living in East Preston, and now live in a bungalow occupying the very same plot as their caravan did 60 years ago.

The celebration party was organised by their sons, Geoff, Graham and Garry, and 34 members of the family turned up to add their best wishes.

But, as Garry explained, he and his brothers had had their doubts before going ahead with their party plan.

“We were all a little wary of springing another surprise party on our parents, as we had done something similar for their golden anniversary. but we managed it.

“Mum and dad were speechless as they were greeted by the family and a rendition of ‘Congratulations’ played on the piano by my youngest son Glenn.”

As well as their three sons, Vic and Margaret have five grandchildren, Nicholas, Matthew, Luke, Gareth and Glenn.

Geoff was assistant director of social services for Medway Council before retiring, Graham is a project manager for Crawley-based aviation simulator company Thales and Garry works for Lloyds TSB as a commercial manager.