Stay active, give and take and never going to bed on an argument is the key to their long and happy marriage say Brian and Beryl Warwick, who celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary this month.
The couple got married in Cheshire on 31st March 1956, having met at a social club in Manchester.
Brian said, “We met at the 18+ group which was for social group in Manchester for young people. I remember a beautful young lady walking in and I fell in love straight away, and the rest is history!”
Beryl said, “I was only 17 so I shouldn’t have been there really, but I’m very glad I was.
“Our first date was playing tennis with friends and then it developed from there.”
Brian said, “We married on Easter Saturday in 1956 and it was very strange because five other couples who had met through the 18+ group also got married on that day. We didn’t find this out until later, but the club was certainly doing something right!”
The couple moved to Melksham over 30 years ago and although their family are still living in Cheshire, they regard Melksham as their home town.
Brian said, “We love Melksham and we call it our home town. We love the community spirit and the friendliness of the people. There are so many groups and organisations for people to get involved in. It’s a wonderful place and we have no intentions on living anywhere else.
“I’m very much involved in the community, we both are. I am the founding member of the Melksham Seniors 55+ group which is very important to me. We both strive to improve the quality of life for the vulnerable and elderly people in our community. We want to get them out and about and not just sitting in front of the television.”
The couple have two children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, with another on the way.
Beryl said, “Family has always been very important to us and despite our family not living near us, we’ve always been a close family unit.”
Brain said, “We keep up to date with technology and we are lucky to be able to use FaceTime on our iPad so we can sit and chat with them for ages. We’re very lucky that we don’t have any barriers, so we can keep in touch on a regular basis.
“We’ve been married for 720 months, which sounds like a very long time, which I suppose it is. It is a rarity these days but I think the key to a long and happy marriage is give and take. We have different opinions on things, but we normally meet in the middle.
“You have to show each other love and affection as well, show each other that you care.”
Beryl said, “We have disagreements about things but we don’t really argue. I always remember an aunt of mine telling me, ‘You must never go to bed on an argument,’ and that is very true.
“It’s also important to have your own hobbies. We love to travel together and have been fortunate to go to many places over the years, but you must take time for yourself.”
Brian said, “We will be going up to Manchester at some point to have a party with all the family. It will be a bit of a family reunion, so we will get to see all the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. That will be lovely.”
