Mrs. Lilburn Clarke (left) places a ring on her husband Diego Clarke's finger while their son Patrick Clarke ( right) and officiating minister Reverend Clifton Bailey (centre) look on. The occasion was the Clarke's 50th wedding anniversary celebration in which they renewed their vows at the Mount Hermon United Church in Lambs River, Westmoreland, recently. - Contributed

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Mr. and Mrs. Diego and Lilburn Clarke of Lamb's River, Westmoreland renewed their vows on July 29, 2006 at the Mount Hermon United Church, Lamb's River in Westmoreland, where they were married 50 years ago.

The golden anniversary celebration was hosted by their 11 children and organised by daughter Carol Clarke.

In her speech honouring her parents, Carol Clarke read: "Fifty years together, how very long that seems when they all stretched out before you, shining brightly in your dreams. But, when they lie behind you, when you've lived these years one by one, when you've filled them with a lot of work, a lot of children, a lot of joy, a lot of fun, a lot of challenges (yet remain strong), when you've spent these years always sharing, standing by each other making those dreams come true, then you will find that 50 years is only long enough to see how fast the time went by."

The celebration was well attended by family members, relatives, and friends. Some special relatives and friends of the Clarke's included, Dr. Robert Gordon (cousin), R.N. Celeta Clarke (niece), Dermot Andres (nephew) Uriah McEndoe (family friend), pharmacist, M. & M. Nicholson (cousins) and Daphney Thomas (sister).

The officiating minister for the renewing of the vows was the current pastor, Reverend Clifton Bailey. Visiting Bishop Lennox Walker of Praise Cathedral Worship Centre, Toronto, Canada blessed the reception, which was held at Hotel Gloriana in Montego Bay.

The Clarkes were married on April 22, 1956 at the Mount Hermon Presbyterian Church (now called Mt. Hermon United Church) by the late Pastor of the church, Reverend Elga L. Waite. They are the proud grandparents of 32 children and 7 great grand children.