St Bride’s couple David and Gwyneth Lewis received an unexpected visitor while celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Saturday 15th May. Preparing to celebrate with a party next week, they were surprised to see Alun Cairns, their local MP and Secretary of State for Wales knocking their door with a bunch of flowers.
The MP turned up to give warm congratulations to the couple after an email tip off from their daughter Sally who organised the surprise visit. Sally, one of the Lewis’s four children, described their reaction as “thrilled to bits”.
Mr and Mrs Lewis were married St Bridget’s Church in St Brides Major on May 15th 1956 having met while farming neighbouring fields adjacent to the village. They continued living in St Brides Major and farmed together for the rest of their working lives. Gwyneth Lewis (82) has lived in St Brides Major for her entire life, meeting David Lewis (92) as a youngster after he moved to the area from Penarth.
Local MP Alun Cairns said, “It was a pleasure to meet David and Gwyneth and congratulate them on sixty years of marriage – significant achievement and a testament to the love they so clearly have for each other.
“I enjoy meeting lovely couples like Mr and Mrs Lewis across the Vale and listening to any tips they have on the longevity of life and love. It was a real joy to see them and wish them all the best for the future.”
Mr and Mrs Lewis also received an anniversary message from Her Majesty the Queen wishing them congratulations and best wishes.
Unfortunately, only 16% of marriages last 60 years due to death and divorce according to the Office of National Statistics – making reaching the diamond anniversary no small feat.