Couple celebrate 65 years of marriage

By Connie Osborne Friday 14 December 2012 Updated: 14/12 10:15

Buy photos » Allan and Dorrell Barber are marking their 65th wedding anniversary. Picture by Ian Dipple (s)

A REDDITCH couple are following in the footsteps of royalty by celebrating 65-years of marriage this week.

Dorrell and Allan Barber will mark their Blue Sapphire anniversary tomorrow (Saturday) just a month after Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip reached the milestone.

The couple first met when 99-year-old Allan was stationed with the British Army in Lahore, Pakistan and spotted his future wife-to-be riding her bike to church.

They married in 1947 in a sword ceremony with members of the British Army.

In 1956 they moved to Redditch and looked after their seven boys and daughter, before settling in to their home in Headless Cross where they still live today.

Their son Daryl Barber, who cares for the pair full-time, said they still showed their love for each other every day.

The couple added the secret to a long and happy marriage was 'faithfulness' and 'giving and taking.'

Relatives from Redditch will join them in celebrating their anniversary, while family who live further afield will be video calling to congratulate them.