[Diocese of Europe] The rock-star, Alvin Stardust ( a former chorister at Southwell Minster) and Julie, his singer/choreographer wife of 21 years, have renewed their wedding vows at Pine Cliffs Resort, near Albufeira, Algarve. Alvin said, “We like to renew our vows every 7 years in what we call our ‘Seven-Year-Hitch’.

Fr Bob Bates, Chaplain in the Algarve said, “At first when Alvin phoned, and told me his surname, I thought someone was pulling my leg – but it was good to get to know him and Julie, and to find two truly committed Christians, whose relationship with each other and their Lord is so important to them, and good that they wanted an intimate opportunity to thank God for each other, rather than something more showy and elaborate” 

Alvin, who is best remembered for his hits in the ‘70s and ‘80s, including My Coo Ca Choo and I feel like Buddy Holly and his number one hit, Jealous Mind, is still touring and told Fr Bob and his wife Diane of his inspiration from Buddy Holly himself. After attending a concert, when he was only 14, Alvin called backstage to see Buddy Holly and the Crickets in their dressing rooms and they played their hit Peggy Sue together. Alvin has promised to keep in touch and may be able to help the Chaplaincy with a social evening next year when he is once more in Portugal.

Alvin and Julie were accompanied by their 12 year old daughter Julie (whose godfather Cliff Richard could not be present). Fr Bob added that, “The solemnity of the occasion was broken by the lawn sprinklers rising in mid-service and spraying all those within reach – amidst much laughter the sun created a dozen mini-rainbows through the sprays – it was a happy and blessed occasion!”