Arundel couple’s lifetime of loved blessed with joy

Peter Phillips, 86, and his caring wife Joan, 82, have been married for an impressive 62 years, after tying the knot in a whirlwind romance during their early 20s.

The couple, who both lived in Pearson Road, Arundel, for many years, decided to have their wedding vows blessed during an intimate ceremony at the Fairlight Nursing Home, in Worthing Road, Rustington, where Peter is currently a resident.

The pair’s son, Mark – who now lives in the former family home – said his parents were the “perfect couple”.

“They’re absolutely madly in love. They are completely devoted to one another. It’s a really wonderful thing.

“They are the best of friends and have always been great parents,” he admitted

Mark said that his mother, who now lives in Warwick Court, in Torton Hill Road, Arundel, would religiously visit her husband in Rustington twice a week – or more, if she had the chance.

“She goes over religiously every Tuesday and Friday to see dad,” he said.

“Dad has Parkinson’s disease but that certainly doesn’t stop them from having a brilliant time together.”

Joan was born in Arundel. She started working in Belinda’s Tea Room, in Tarrant Street, when she left school at 14 and later worked at Tortington Park School, near Arundel, during the 1960s. She was best known as the dinner lady at Arundel CE Primary School, in Jarvis Road, during the 1970s and 80s.

Peter was born in Boxgrove but moved to Arundel when he was 17, where he worked on a nearby farm.

He later became a lorry driver with haulage firm Silverlocks, based in Fitzalan Road, before eventually becoming the town’s postman in the 1970s – a job he continued for more than 25 years.

The couple have four children and three grandchildren.