Birmingham couple celebrate 65 years of marriage
Nov 30 2009 by Jasbir Authi, Birmingham Mail
THE decades may have passed but the bond between this loving couple is as strong as ever.
Betty and Harold Shingler are preparing to pop the Champagne to celebrate reaching their 65th sapphire wedding anniversary.
The 84-year-olds, from Shard End, were teenagers when they met at a dance.
Betty said she initially thought “nothing much” of 17-year-old sailor Harold when he asked her to dance at a community centre in Glebe Farm, back in 1942.
“I was living at my grandmother’s house in Smith Street, Hockley, because she was deaf and needed help,” Betty said.
“I had gone out with friends that night.
“I didn’t take much notice at the time. It was him noticing me.
“He was definitely attractive and then we went for another dance next week.”
The couple married two years later – much to Betty’s mother’s disapproval and ignoring the austerity of the era.
Betty said: “We couldn’t dress up in those days because we didn’t have the coupons.
“My mother said we were far too young to get married and the war was on.
“But we were young and just got married at Birmingham Register Office and didn’t have a big white wedding.”
Betty lived at her mother’s home in Broadstone Road, South Yardley, while her husband was in the Navy.
When the war ended, Harold got a job at a car factory and helped his wife raise their nine children.
The couple now spend their days reading and enjoying their 25 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
They cannot get out as much due to ill health and will mark their anniversary on Wednesday with a get-together at their home.
Harold said his wife had been a great companion through life.
He said: “She’s a good cook, very jolly, nice company and sociable.”
Betty repaid the complement, saying: “Harold has some very fine qualities. He’s loving, understanding, kind and helpful in the home.
“We aren’t perfect. We’ve had our ups and downs but we’ve have some very happy memories.
“The secret to a happy marriage is care and trust.”
