Celebrations as Cupid’s Arrow hits the mark for diamond couple

A COUPLE have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Barbara and Norman Wilson, from Macclesfield, met at an archery club dance in the Lake District where they grew up.

Neither were handy with a bow or members of the club, but cupid’s arrow hit them back in 1951 and they married five years later.

After moving around the North West, the couple and their children Andew and Fiona settled in Macclesfield in 1971.

Norman was manager of the town’s Midland Bank, while Barbara taught English at the former Ryles Park School.

Norman was later promoted to area manager covering a number of branches in the region, while Barbara finished her career at Poynton High School.

They retired in 1990 and have enjoyed a long and fulfilling retirement.

For many years they were members of a Scottish Dancing group which travelled the UK and abroad showing off their talents.

They were also avid walkers but have had to stop because of Norman’s health problems.

Norman is a member of the Rotary Club while Barbara is in the Inner Wheel and both are active members of Gawsworth Church.

The couple, who live in Gawsworth, recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a family trip to the Cotswolds and a reception at church.

Barbara, 81, said: “The key to our long and happy marriage is a sense of humour.

“Marriages take work and you just have to keep working at it, support and help each other and try not to hurt their feelings.”

Norman, 84, said he cannot recall a single row. He said: “We’ve had our ups and downs but never rowed.

“We’ve also shared hobbies and spent lots of time together.”