Platinum date for anniversary couple from March celebrating 70 years of marriage
A couple who have known each other since childhood are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary today (Tuesday).
June and Claud Parish from March met at his cousin’s party when she was 11 and he was 15 but it was not until years later that the pair started courting.
June said: “I saw him about but that was all there was to it. Then he came with a friend to a party one evening when I was 15 and it started from there and we have been together ever since. His friend courted my friend and Claud courted me and we both ended up getting married, but sadly we have now lost our friends.”
June and Claud were married at Chatteris parish church on January 9 1954 with the friend, Bruce Cole, who had been with him at that fateful party as bestman.
The couple initially lived with June’s parents for the first six months of their marriage.
But moved to a farmhouse in Block Fen Wimblington owned by farmer Sid Redhead who they both worked for on the land. They lived in Wimblington for nearly 20 years before they took on a county council small holding in Manea.
They continued to farm until their retirement and then moved to March where they have lived ever since.
The couple not only worked together but also played together and were both heavily involved in bowls – both indoor and outdoor.
In June 2022 June was presented with a special thank-you by Cambridgeshire Short Mat Bowls Association as both she and Claud had been stalwarts with the group since its inception in the late 1980s.
June had held a number of officer positions with the association including league secretary.
Together she and Claud had won numerous county titles including the pairs, triples, and quadruples. Unfortunately, ill health forced them to give up the game they loved.
June was also involved in a number of clubs while living in Manea including the Royal British Legion and the Flower Club.
Now Claud, 92, enjoys collecting coins while 87-year-old June is an avid jig saw puzzler.
The couple have one daughter Rosalin Fleet and they celebrated their anniversary with her and their grandson, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter at their home at the weekend.
June said: “We had big parties for our fortieth, fiftieth, and sixtieth anniversaries, but we wanted just a quiet family party this time.”
What is the secret to 70 years of marriage? June said: “It’s give and take, it’s as simple as that. You can’t have everything your own way all the time.
“We have been very lucky, and very happy, we have had a good marriage and I wouldn’t change a thing.”