A COUPLE from the Isle of Wight who first met at Sunday school have celebrated an incredible 70 years of marriage — proving that some Island love stories really do stand the test of time.
Michael and Margaret Paskins reached their platinum wedding anniversary on Tuesday (May 19), having married at Newport Methodist Church in 1956 while Michael was still undertaking his National Service.
It was the start of a journey that would span continents, careers, and four generations of family life.
Both Isle of Wight-born and bred — Michael from Brading and Margaret from Newport — the couple first crossed paths as children at the Wayfarers’ Fellowship Sunday School in Carisbrooke, a connection that would shape the rest of their lives.
Michael and Margaret Paskins on thyeir wedding day (Image: Michael and Margaret Paskins)
Michael and Margaret Paskins celebrated their platinum wedding this week (Image: Michael and Margaret Paskins)
Faith has remained at the heart of their marriage ever since.
Reflecting previously, Michael said: “There’s been three people in our marriage — myself, my wife and our faith in Christ.”
Following their wedding, the couple spent time in Wiltshire during Michael’s service in the forces, where their daughter Judith was born — on their fifth wedding anniversary in 1961.
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Later, Michael worked for many years at Plessey Radar in Cowes, before moving into lecturing in Chelmsford, with the couple eventually returning to the Island.
Now “90-plus years young,” they have spent 33 happy years in Bembridge — remaining active in church life and enjoying quieter moments tending the garden and spending time with their growing family.
Michael and Margaret Paskins celebrated their platinum wedding this week (Image: Michael and Margaret Paskins)
Their platinum anniversary was marked with a celebration dinner on Tuesday, bringing together relatives from far and wide, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren travelling from across Europe.
The Wight Mouse in Chale helped ensure the occasion was one to remember.
The celebrations did not stop there.
The following day, the family gathered again at The Crown in Shorwell for a joint anniversary lunch and 65th birthday celebration for Judith.
The couple also received a card from the King and Queen to mark the rare milestone.