CELEBRATING 59 years of marriage is a milestone few couples reach, and for Clive and Sandra Channell, it was even more special because their entire original wedding party was still present.

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The couple celebrated their 59th anniversary with their wedding entourage. “I thought it quite amazing that we were all still here after all these years and that we have all kept in touch too,” Sandra shared.
Clive and Sandra’s journey began at a local dance, or a “session” as it was called in the sixties. “Clive asked me to dance and then on a date,” Sandra recalled.

Three years later, they exchanged vows at All Saints Anglican Church in Bellair, beginning a lifelong adventure together.

Reflecting on nearly six decades of marriage, the couple finds it hard to believe how quickly time has passed. “It is hard to believe that we have been married for 59 years – time flies,” they said.

Over the years, the couple have expanded their family with a son, two daughters, a granddaughter, and three grandsons. Though their daughters now live in California, Clive and Sandra have cherished long visits, spending up to three months at a time overseas. Meanwhile, their son and grandsons remain in South Africa, creating many special family moments closer to home.

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The couple shared that one of the key ingredients to their lasting relationship has been family unity and mutual support, especially through life’s joys and challenges. “Over the years our relationship has strengthened, this from keeping the family together and supporting each other in times of happiness and sorrow,” Sandra explained.

One of the couple’s most vivid memories from their wedding day was the minister binding their hands with his stole, a meaningful tradition symbolising their union. “This tradition is not always performed nowadays. We found it very meaningful and beautiful,” they reflected.

Their love for travel has taken them to incredible places, including cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge and witnessing glaciers calving in Alaska. “As we have been fortunate to visit the UK and California numerous times, doing things like cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge and watching glaciers calving in Alaska, our hope is to travel more in the future,” they said.

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As they celebrate 59 years of marriage, Clive and Sandra’s story serves as a beautiful reminder that love, commitment, and shared experiences are the true foundation of a lasting and fulfilling partnership.

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