A Westbury couple celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary last month, marking 70 years of marriage.
Fred and Barbara Gliddon married on 23rd October 1954 after meeting on Paignton seafront when Barbara was 16 and Fred was 17. Now 91, Fred described their 70-year marriage as “fabulous,” adding, “We’ve always done everything together. We were childhood sweethearts.”
During the early stages of their relationship, Fred and Barbara were separated when Fred was called up for National Service at 18 years old. He went on to spend two years in the service during the Suez Crisis. Barbara said, “It was hard for the first few days, but you gradually adjust to it.”
The couple say that their secret to a long-lasting marriage is compatibility. “It’s about being compatible and not arguing before bed,” said Fred. “I don’t think there’s any couple that doesn’t argue in a marriage. We have a little cuddle afterwards, and then it’s sorted. That’s what life is about.”
The couple moved to Westbury in 1951 and share four children, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
They celebrated their anniversary at their home, surrounded by family.
