Isle of Wight soulmates celebrate platinum wedding anniversary

Keen gardeners and churchgoers, Brian and Barbara Wilson, celebrated 70 happy years together on January 2.

Brian, 94, was born in Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea, in Sussex, while Barbara, 95, was born in Burnham, Buckinghamshire.

They both won places at Bexhill County (subsequently Grammar) School, becoming head boy and head girl respectively.

The pair got to know each other through scouting, both helping to run different cub packs in Bexhill.

After school, Barbara studied at Reading University and pursued a career in teaching.

Barbara and Brian Wilson. (Image: Contributed)

Brian undertook his national service with the RAF for 18 months, achieving the rank of Corporal Nursing Orderly, before studying physics at Oxford University.

During this time, the pair’s relationship continued to develop, and they married on January 2, 1954.

Brian started work in rubber research before taking up roles with the Atomic Energy Research Establishment, the Radiochemical Centre, and the Central Electricity Generating Board (CECB), where he became regional secretary for the Southeast Region.

Barbara had to give up teaching when she got married but put her skills to good use, running a voluntary playgroup.

Brian went on to become an Anglican lay reader in the Dioceses of Oxford and Portsmouth, and ultimately did this for 60 years.

Barbara became chairperson of the Deanery Synod in the Oxford Diocese and Brian was involved in various Diocesan committees and the training of lay readers.

They both have a strong sense of civic duty and have served as parish councillors.

They also have a fondness for steam railways.

Following Brian’s retirement, the couple moved to the Isle of Wight in 1985, and have been Freshwater residents for more than 38 years.

They became life members of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Bus Museum, as well as school governors – Barbara at St Boniface, Ventnor, and Brian at Carisbrooke Primary School.

Their church work continued apace while based at All Saints Church, Freshwater.

Brian became closely involved in the Freshwater Horticultural Society and remains its president, and they have both won numerous cups and prizes at horticultural shows.

While working for CEGB, Brian became involved with St John Ambulance, eventually becoming director of training.

Barbara also helped out, and they both became involved in The Casualties Union.

Through his work with St John Ambulance, Brian was awarded the Honour of Officer of the Order of St John of Jerusalem; one of the Orders of Chivalry.

Asked what the secret was to a long, happy marriage, they said: “A large family, having very similar interests, and still loving each other after all these years.”