Couple mark golden date (From Witney Gazette)

Couple mark golden date

9:00am Wednesday 19th April 2006 in Witney

THEY met in their teens at a local youth club in Witney, and now Don and Brenda Fidler are celebrating 50 years of marriage this month on their golden wedding anniversary.

Mr Fidler, 73, and Mrs Fidler, 72, of Blakes Avenue, Witney, met aged 19 after being introduced by Brenda's sister.

They were married at St Mary's Church in Witney in 1956 and their reception was held at the now Henry Box School Hall.

Mr Fidler suffered a major stroke in 1981. He was left paralysed down one side of his body and doctors thought he would never be able to walk again.

But he made a spectacular recovery and was fit enough to go back to work as a cleaner at West Oxford District Council.

Mrs Fidler, 72, said: "It was hard, but you just had to help him through it." At that time Brenda was working as a cleaner at Witney Police station.

After Christmas the couple retired after working together as cleaners at Henry Box School the venue of their wedding reception. After 50 years of marriage the pair have four children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Brenda Fidler said: "We are as much in love today as when we met. The love for each other grows on you both more and more over the years."