It’s never to late for love At 82, Emily Rodger says it’s never to late to find your soulmate and she has - 89 year old Harold Phillips.
The Rangiora couple were married at the St John the Baptist Anglican Church in Rangiora on Valentine's Day, both keen to start the next phase of their lives.
Emily says she and Harold were both in love.
He says: ‘‘She’s a good catch.’’
She says the couple met early last year at the Totara Club (Rangiora), a day club run by Age Concern Canterbury, where older people can meet, socialise, try out some fun activities and have a midday meal.
‘‘It’s a very entertaining club, and he asked me if I wanted to go and watch a movie with him,
‘‘We started watching a lot of movies together and going out for lunches.
‘‘Gradually we began doing a lot more together.
‘‘We are not young, and when he proposed at Christmas I thought it was a wonderful idea to get married to him.’’
Emily was originally married in the 1950s but it didn’t work out. She moved her family to Christchurch.
They lived in Shirley for many years before finally shifting toRangiora in the early 1970s.
Harold was born in London and travelled the world before settling in Canterbury.
‘‘He’s been a very busy man and he loves his sports, especially the games they have at the Charles Upham home where he now lives at."
Emily says she has been very busy since organising the wedding day.
‘‘There has been lots to do and everyone is so excited, I just had to remember to rest and take it easy before the ceremony so I could enjoy it.’’
She was accompanied to the alter by the her son Wayne Rodger, and a long time friend of hers, Archbishop Paul Andrews, officiated.
He says the couple were ‘‘good people’’ and he wished them the best.
The St John the Baptist reverend Toby Behan said it was a joyous day for the couple who are regulars at his church.
Emily’s daughter Rebecca O’Connor said the family were very happy for the couple.
‘‘It’s given mum a new lease of life and we are happy for her.’’
The couple had a short honeymoon before Mr Phillips travelled to a sporting event.
