Diamond duo renew vows and have party

Buy photos » David and Avery Turner. Picture by Neville Collins. 37012033ncb

A DIAMOND Bromsgrove couple celebrated 60 years of marriage by renewing their wedding vows, partying with friends and receiving a royal card from the Queen.

Avery and David Turner first met in 1948, marrying four years later on Avery's 22nd birthday at Northfield Baptist Church on August 30.

Moving from Rubery to their home in Finstall Road in 1971, Mr Turner became a prominent member of the community, becoming a Bailiff, Ealdorman of the Ancient Court Leet and Court Baron of the Manor of Bromsgrove.

And the 82-year-old did not stop there, setting his sights on everything from street market master to president of Bromsgrove District Twinning Association.

While Mrs Turner, who is just six months older, qualified as a teacher at the former Shenstone College, gained a Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to get her Masters at the grand age of 70.

The impressive couple got together with over 100 family members and friends to commemorate their special day. Special guests, including the president of the French Twinning group and seven visitors from German twin town, Gronau, also joined the duo at Fairfield Village Hall on September 1.

And on September 2, the pair renewed their vows at the Methodist Centre where Avery has been an active member for nearly 20 years. She even wore the same head-dress from her wedding day.

Mrs Turner said: "A lot of friends helped make it a very special do and it has been a fabulous weekend.

"I've had such a marvellous time.

"It's taken me the whole week to recover.

"The house is covered in cards and I asked David if we should take them down yet and he said 'they deserve another week up'.

"I don't know where the years have gone, I suppose we just go together and he's one of my closest friends," she added.

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