AS LYLA and Stuart Blew entered the Little Chapel in Iona 50 years of memories flooded back.
It was the first time they had stepped foot in the chapel for many years and both were in awe of the similarities between then and now – in the refurbished chapel.
“Oh look, the roof is the same,” Lyla points out. “But the walls used to be a dark red.”
The owners of the chapel, Alison and Matthew Eno, were only too happy to listen.
“We have never seen a photo or spoken to anyone about what it used to look like inside,” Alison said.
“It’s wonderful that we can now get an idea.”
The Enos turned the building back into a chapel after it was transformed into a two-storey home in recent years.
“Well, you have done a great job,” Lyla said. “There are a few differences, but some things are still the same.”
As the women continued their comparisons Stuart kept looking around before sitting down with the Gazette.
“Where else would we have got married?” he asks. “We were both born and bred here.”
Stuart was 20 years old and Lyla was 18 when they married before 120 family and friends on 13 February 1960. They met at school five years earlier.
“My mate had a saying that we should chase the ugly girls, but I think he had it all wrong – I wanted the pretty ones and that’s what I got,” Stuart said.
The couple have three children, Janette, Rodney and Susan – all of whom live locally.
Any tips for a long and happy marriage?
“Get married young and grow together,” Stuart said. “It’s probably a view that’s out of date today but that’s my tip.
“And to find someone that will put up with you.”
The happy couple, 50 years strong, celebrated their anniversary in true style – at a lunch organised by daughter Janette, and then a cruise around Australia for 28 days.
“You just have to love and cuddle them,” Lyla said looking into the eyes of her much-loved husband.
– Melissa Meehan
