Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Tanny and Madge Shirley 33rd Wedding Anniversary Celebrations, held at Bracknell Avenue, Jack's Hill on Saturday December 22, 2007.

If you've been together for 33 years, then either the marriage is strong or you're a great faker.

For Lyttleton 'Tanny' Shirley and wife Madge, it is very much the former. The couple celebrated the milestone on Saturday December 22 at their Jacks Hill residence with a big bash. But the occasion was a double anniversary as their daughter Tanice and son-in-law Abner Gonsalves were also celebrating the day they said "I do".

The Shirley's other bubbly daughter Tania took the MC duties, opening the floor to tributes from the gathering and all those who had the microphone thrust upon them expressed their joy in celebrating the moment with the two couples. Wine toasts and best wishes for bliss in years to come were the order of the night. So just what is the secret to a long marriage? Madge Shirley said it best, explaining "lots of patience, heavy communication, lots of love and Jesus."

Among those out were Audrey Shirley, Dr. Douglas McDonald, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin and wife Capt. Tessa Lewin, James and Charlene Robertson, Col. Trevor MacMillan and wife Peaces, Churchill and Angela Neita, Kenny Benjamin, Sonja Sutherland-Dumetz and husband Fred, Christene King, Stephen Jones, Liz Levy, Marva Bernard, Melody Cammock-Gayle, Andrew Price, Marilyn Bennett, Lorna Bell, Maj. Hugh Blake, Harold Brady, Steve Ashley, Gary Barrow, Delano Forbes and Ian Neita.

Donna Minott-Kates (left) listens keenly to Yvonne Foster at the Shirleys' anniversary reception.

Angela Neita (left) Shirley Headley (centre) and Dr. Carol Ball are captured by the music of Harold Davis and Maria Myrie (not pictured). Looking on is Churchill Neita (partly hidden, background). - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer