Unique couple celebrate 65 years of marriage

Reg and Anne Wrighton have spent much of their married life dedicating themselves to voluntary work and organising the popular Willenhall Old Folks Treat, which was held for the last time in April.

They have been at the helm of the pensioners' knees-up since they said 'I do'.

Mr and Mrs Wrighton, both aged 89, were introduced in 1946 by Anne's sister Elsie, who was courting one of Reg's friends. It was the start of a love match that has stood the test of time.

They tied the knot on May 28, 1949 at St Andrew's Church, in Birchills, Walsall, and are one of the few couples in Britain to have both been honoured for services to their community.

Mr Wrighton saw action with the Royal Navy in the Far East and the Burma campaign as a petty officer, while Mrs Wrighton was a wireless operator in the WAAF.

Afterwards they joined the British Legion and helped to set up the transport section with the encouragement of Reg's father who saw their potential.

They also assisted war veterans who fell on hard times.

Mr Wrighton, an engineering manager, and his wife, a former clerical worker, of Castle Drive, Summer Hayes, had one son Ralph, now aged 63, and aside from their charity efforts also serve as school governors.

In addition they have been councillors, with Mr Wrighton serving as chairman of the old Willenhall District Council in 1963 while Mrs Wrighton served Short Heath ward on Walsall Council.

Mrs Wrighton, who was also a magistrate for 33 years, serving on the Walsall bench, was made an OBE for her services to the judiciary in 1991.

In 1999 Mr Wrighton was presented with an MBE for his services to the community.

Anne said among their most treasured memories is a surprise month-long trip around Russia to celebrate her 45th birthday.

Yet she said the most romantic thing is for them in their latter years is simply to be together.

"We have been a team for 65 years and we started the Old Folks Treat back then, it's fitting that the final one was the 65th party. We have stopped because of a lack of volunteers and funding to carry on," Anne said.

Willenhall Old Folks Treat party was started 65 years ago and organised on an annual basis for pensioners to enjoy a meal, music and a catch up with friends.

They have three granddaughters Elizabeth, 30, Hannah, 28, Alice 25, and a great grandson Nathan, eight months.

"In Black Country language, we are still bostin'," Mr Wrighton said of their relationship.

They celebrated their milestone anniversary with a meal and are planning a big family party in July.

"We are still as much in love today as we were when we first met all those years ago. All that I sincerely hope is that Reg and I can live a little longer so that we can still do good things for other people," Mrs Wrighton added.