'Why I vow I'll marry you again!'

From the archive, first published Thursday 9th Feb 2006.

Devoted couples will get to renew their wedding vows.

Husbands and wives in Bingley will once again say `I do' when the Gilstead church holds a special service for St Valentine's Day.

Couples will share wedding cake and enjoy a glass of wine as part of commemorations for St Wilfrid's 100th anniversary year.

The vicar, the Reverend Andrew Clarke, said they were inviting couples married in the parish to join in the service on Sunday.

He said: "With our celebration of the centenary we are trying to reach as many associated with the church and our parish as possible.

"Back in November we had a service commemorating the departed. This is the next event as we approach St Valentine's Day, to celebrate love and marriage."

The event will feature the Trinity Singers and the chance to renew wedding vows alongside other couples. But people do not have to have been married at St Wilfrid's or sister church Bingley Holy Trinity - or married at all - to enjoy the service, said Mr Clarke.

"We are aware of the effect over the years that people's circumstances may have changed. People may be widowed, separated or divorced, or they may have found happiness in another partnership," he said.

"We want to make the service as inclusive as we can. Overall it's a celebration of human love and companionship - those things that are so important."

Mr Clarke said the longest married couple would be asked to cut the cake. Carol Brook and husband Colin were married at Holy Trinity in April 1967, with twin sister Vida Kershaw and husband John following them up the aisle that October.

"It wasn't the cheapest year for our parents," joked Carol, who has always been linked to the churches.

"As a young girl in the 1950s we would go to the Young Communicants' Guild at St Wilfrid's. It was a sort of youth club and many of us are still very close friends."

Wendy and Peter Maude were married at Holy Trinity in 1961. Mrs Maude's mother, Lucy Mann, was a renowned local dressmaker, who created the gowns for all three brides and many of their friends.

The service is at 6.30pm. To find out more phone (01274) 563909.

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