TILEHURST couple, Brian and Christine Lewendon, celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on Valentine’s Day last week, and described the secret to their marriage was being 'best mates'.

The happy couple first met at the Olympia Ballroom in London Street, Reading, in 1955, then married at St Mary Magdalene church in 1959, with the reception at the Bird in Hand pub in Tilehurst.

After honeymooning in Bournemouth, they bought their first house in Beecham Road for £800, moving to Newbery Close, Tilehurst in 1963, eventually settling in their third home nearby.

Brian had previously served three years of his National Service in RAF Photographic Intelligence from 1952, leaving this he joined the Thames Conservancy as a draughtsman, then transferring to Thames Water until his retirement, as an assistant engineer.

Christine worked at The Hexagon as wardrobe mistress for seven years in the 1970’s, and an apprentice hairdresser at Heelas department store, while bringing up the couple’s children, Jon (1961) and twin daughters Rachel and Joanne (1964).

Stalwarts of the Royal British Legion’s Tilehurst branch since 1990, Christine is Branch President and Brian Vice President, both eventually becoming life members.

Both Brian and Christine were instrumental in launching a successful campaign to unveil a permanent memorial to the 41 killed in the 1943 People’s Pantry World War Two bombing.

On the day of their anniversary, Mr and Mrs Lewendon renewed their wedding vows in St Mary Magdalene church, with the ceremony being filmed by Meridian News, and shown on the evening bulletin later that same day.

A more formal wedding celebration was held last Saturday at the Royal British Legion in Tilehurst, where the Mayor of Reading, councillor Debs Edwards joined with friends and family in toasting the happy couple.