Diamond Littlehampton couple’s devotion clear to see

He persisted in his wooing, and won the heart of Barbara, in spite of her boyfriend calling correctly when the coin flipped.

And now, more than 60 years later, the couple, who met as teenagers in their church youth club in London’s east end, are celebrating a love that has stood the test of time, with their diamond wedding anniversary.

A family party, a meal out on their anniversary itself last Thursday (July 11), a moving reaffirmation of their marriage vows at All Saints’ Church, Wick, on Sunday (July 14) and a three-day cruise taking in Belgium and Guernsey have been the highlights of a busy week of celebrations for Laurie and Barbara.

They were married in Bow Church and for about 40 years were publicans in the greater London area, after Laurie’s national service with the RAF. They also worked in Portugal for a few years and before retiring ran a Clarks shoe shop in Buckinghamshire.

Barbara, 79, and Laurie, 80, moved to Sussex, where two of his sisters also live, about nine years ago. The couple live with their daughter Jo Caswell-Russell and her family in Finisterre Way, Littlehampton and help to look after their grandson, also Laurence.

Laurie is a keen golfer and a member of Ham Manor Golf Club, Angmering, and they both attend All Saints with Jo and her family.

The couple have another daughter, Debbie, living in Bletchley, Bucks, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jo said: “They are a fantastic couple. It was lovely on Sunday when the vicar at All Saints, Stephen Hudson, invited them to reaffirm their marriage vows in front of the congregation.

“It was completely apparent to all those there how much they love one another and are devoted to each other.

“It’s a wonderful example to have parents whose marriage has been based on that love and devotion.”