Family and friends help Barnham couple celebrate 70 years of marriage

Alf and Betty Webb, aged 95 and 92, met in 1935 through Alf's sister Rosa, who was Betty's best friend.

They spent their courting days travelling everywhere together on their bicycles. One of their favourite spots was Hadleigh Castle in Essex.

Alf and Betty were married on September 30, 1939, in Southgate, north London, and settled in Bounds Green. Their daughter Maggie was born in 1943 and their son Brian in 1945.

Moving to Luton, Bedfordshire, in 1947, Alf became a confectionery salesman for Fry's.

He worked in the confectionery industry throughout his working life, including as an area sales manager for Duncan's and later Millars, both of Edinburgh.

Betty was a private secretary and worked for nine years at the GEC in Kingsway, Holborn.

Retiring in 1979, Alf and Betty moved south to just outside Hastings.

In 1981 they came to Felpham to be nearer their family, which later included grandson Damien, now aged 22.

The past 17 years have been spent in Barnham, where Alf and Betty still live independently, walking regularly to the local shops for their groceries.

They have travelled four times in the past 16 years to visit Maggie, who now lives in Australia.

She comes back regularly to the UK and returned for the anniversary celebrations.

Alf and Betty have a strong Christian faith, and said: "This has been the basis of our marriage and daily life, and has given us so much strength in difficult times."

For many years, Alf was a deacon in their local Baptist church, wherever they were living, and regularly sang tenor in the church choir.

They continue to attend services every Sunday, as well as other events within their local church.

In previous years, Alf enjoyed playing golf, but in retirement they grew to love lawn bowls.

In 2000 they took part in a sponsored 24-hour marathon bowl for Arun District Bowls Club.

They gave up bowls 18 months ago, but their thirst for new experiences remained unquenched.

Maggie said: "In their 90s Alf and Betty have found a new interest as whizzes on the computer.

"Email is now a wonderful way for them to keep in regular touch with me in Australia, as well as with many others.

"They also love to explore the internet."

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