Families gather at Steyning churchfor a double diamond celebration

It was the Diamond Wedding of Frank and Ann Turner and John and Jude Green.

The church was packed with their relatives and friends as well as people from the parish.

They had a wonderful surprise when Fr Graham Ricketts presented them with a framed Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis.

Frank and Ann were married at St Thomas More Church in Seaford on April 2, 1956 having met on a ‘blind date’ in Ilford. Their six children and seven grand-children all came today with their son Peter playing the organ. They had enjoyed a big family meal in Arundel on the previous evening. Frank and Ann had lived in Steyning for more than 30 years but have now moved to Sandford in Somerset near their son, Michael.

John and Jude were married at the Church of St Michael and St John,Dublin on April 4, 1956 having met when Jude began her first teaching job in Gravesend.

Their three children and eight grand-children were all present today and their grand-children Kate and Brendan took part in the offertory procession. John and Jude have lived in Steyning for over 27 years.

After a gathering with wine, nibbles and cake in the parish room for both couples the Green family were going to a surprise meal at Stanmer House in Brighton.