Shaw couple who met in Thatcham celebrate 60 years of marriage

A couple from Shaw will shortly be celebrating their diamond wedding.

Michael ‘Mick’ and Shirley Forbes first met when they were pupils at Kennet School in Thatcham – and will be celebrating 60 years of marriage this Thursday (February 20).

Mrs Forbes, 77, said: “We were (at Kennet) when it was fairly new.

“He left before me and then we met up again on the bus going to work.”

“She came and sat by me,” added Mr Forbes, who celebrated turning 79 last week.

The couple started ‘going steady’ when Mrs Forbes turned 15.

Mr Forbes used a whole week’s wages to buy her a signet ring, which she still wears today.

They married two years later. At the time, they both lived in Thatcham and worked in and around Newbury.

Mr Forbes was an an apprentice painter and decorator and Mrs Forbes worked at a launderette.

They lived at Mr Forbes’ parents’ house in Victor Road, before moving to Shaw, where they have stayed in the same house for 58 years.

Explaining why they never left, Mrs Forbes added: “We like it here. We know everybody.

“When we had a big Jubilee party, all of us mucked in.

“We’ve got a lovely couple of girls next door who come round to make sure we’re all right.”

The couple have three children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, which they say keep them busy.

And they will be celebrating their milestone with a family lunch at The Ivy Oxford Brasserie.

“I wouldn’t be without them. We love all our children and grandchildren,” added Mrs Forbes.

And what advice do they have for new couples?

“It’s just give and take. We just muck along, you know, and that’s it,” said Mrs Forbes.

Mr Forbes added: “Do as you’re told.”