Family-oriented Barbara and John to mark 50 years of marriage

Barbara and John Law will celebrate their wedding anniversary on Saturday, marking exactly 50 years since they first tied the knot.

The couple first met in 1970 through work − but Barbara admits that nerves stalled the start of their relationship.

She said: “We met at the British Beef slaughterhouse. John worked there and I used to take the butcher’s meat from there.

“I used to back my van up onto the loading bay and then one day I said I liked him.

“After that he used to run and lock himself in the toilet. But eventually the guys took him out onto the loading bay and made him ask me out.”

From there, it was smooth sailing for the couple, who became engaged after six weeks of dating and married at Doncaster Road Methodist Church just four-and-a-half months later, with a reception at the Westgate Common Club.

John and Barbara settled in Flanshaw, where they have lived most of their married lives, and soon became parents to daughters Zoe and Stacy, before later welcoming five grandchildren.

After leaving her job as a driver, Barbara worked for 15 years as a school crossing guard before becoming a carer, while John has put in more than 40 years as a delivery driver for Asda - a job he still enjoys working to this day.

They will mark their anniversary with a dinner with close family, and hope to have a bigger celebration - including a holiday−later in the year.

Daughter Zoe said: “My parents are really great.

“They’ve been really supportive, and my memories are of going on holidays with our extended family.

“They’re very family oriented, especially for the grandchildren. I’ve had such a great life, and I’m so happy for them.”