Steyning couple marks 65 years of marriage

Age UK regulars Beryl and Arthur Wilson celebrated 65 years of marriage with their good friends at Vintage Years '“ a group that provides a place for older people to meet and socialise.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Sep 2016, 17:38 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:26 BST
Beryl and Arthur Wilson from Steyning celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. Pic Steve Robards SR1627777 SUS-160921-094114001Beryl and Arthur Wilson from Steyning celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. Pic Steve Robards SR1627777 SUS-160921-094114001
Beryl and Arthur Wilson from Steyning celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. Pic Steve Robards SR1627777 SUS-160921-094114001

The happy couple from Steyning met in 1949 in the Court Ballroom, Balham, both had just been demobbed, Arthur was 21 and Beryl 22.

They courted for two years and then married on 22nd September 1951 at St Mary’s Church, Balham.

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Beryl made her wedding dress from an evening dress a friend gave her, added with some lace to help decorate it as coupons were still being used.

Vintage Years, formerly the Darby and Joan Club, has been running for three years and meets on the first Friday of every month at the Steyning Centre between 2pm and 4pm.

This large group of local older people is supported by volunteers and a voluntary committee from Steyning.

The team arranges the monthly meeting place for local older people, they provide a variety of musical entertainment and talks, make craft items, run quizzes and also organise monthly outings.

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Beryl and Arthur said: “Going to Vintage Years is a good way of meeting different people we always have fun and it’s something to look forward to, their outings are always good and it’s a chance to see and experience new places.”

Their family, consisting of their two children and four grandchildren, are planning to celebrate with them today (Thursday) but this will be a surprise and they have only been told to dress smart and keep the day free.

Age UK Horsham District’s Day Clubs Worker and chairman of Vintage Years, Jan Wise, provides support to a number of groups for older people within the Chanctonbury area, ensuring that they are sustainable and have the resources they need.

To find out more about Vintage Years and other services provided by the team at Age UK Horsham District contact Jan on 07714 254034 or email [email protected].

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Alternatively, people can visit the website www.ageukhorshamdistrict.org.uk

The charity team are putting on a range of activities to try on October 1 to mark International Older 
People’s Day.

For more information or to book a free place call the Horsham branch on 01403 260 560 as soon as possible on or email [email protected]

Related topics:Age UKHorsham DistrictSt Mary's Church