Well-known Gunnedah couple Barbara and Barry Weston will reach a significant milestone next month when they gather with family and friends to celebrate 70 years of marriage.
The traditional title given to this incredible anniversary is appropriately named platinum – symbolising strength and lasting durability.
The young Barrington Weston and Barbara Strachan exchanged vows at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Gunnedah on 8 September 1956, with Gordon Turner as best man and Sheila Francis (nee Cooper) as bridesmaid. The reception was held in the Presbyterian Hall and they honeymooned in Queensland.
Barbara was born in Gunnedah on 30 September 1936, while Barry came into the world at Gilgandra on 23 May 1933.
Barbara grew up on the family farm at Kelvin and attended Yarrari bush school before completing her education at the Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) in Armidale.
Barry became a lifelong resident after his family moved to Gunnedah when he was three years of age. He began his education at Gunnedah Public School, followed by several years at Gunnedah High.
After leaving school he completed his apprenticeship as a mechanic under the expert guidance of his father Clarry Weston, who had established Weston’s Garage at the western end of Conadilly Street, while Barbara found work at McDonagh’s department store when she first left school before taking up a position at Masters Pharmacy, in Conadilly Street.
Barry and Barbara Weston on their wedding day on 8 September 1956. Photos: supplied.
The young couple’s lives became entwined when they were introduced by a mutual friend, Mary Sams (nee Tydd), at the Acropolis Cafe.
After their marriage, the Westons moved into a house on the corner next to the garage where they welcomed their first-born David in 1957 and second child Sue in 1959. They purchased a block of land in George Street and built their forever home, taking up residence in December 1960. Their third child Christine was welcomed in 1963.
Barry’s working life included a stint as storeman at Permewans (Hawke & Treloars) before moving on to a position as service manager at Lionel Walters Motors and later Ian Eveleigh Motors in the same position. He finished his working life back at his father’s garage, which was then owned by Austin Lawrence.
Meanwhile, Barbara was a busy mum raising her three children and when they were at school, she began working at St Mary’s College as a sewing/home economics teacher. She retired from that position around 1987.
The happy couple outside the Presbyterian Church.
In retirement Barry enjoys model aeroplanes, photography, woodturning and gardening, while Barbara’s hobbies revolve around sewing. Over the years she has produced many stunning patchwork quilts which have been gifted to family and friends or donated to various charities. She also enjoys cooking and they are both still active in the garden.
Sadly, like many other couples, their lives were touched with heartbreak in 1975 when they lost their daughter Christine in a tragic accident.
The blessing of grandchildren brings them much joy, however, with David’s two sons Darcy and Fergus both living in Melbourne, while Sue’s son Lachlan lives in Gunnedah and daughter Maddie lives in Tarbuck Bay, near Forster.
Barry and Barb’s lives together have now been blessed with seven great-grandchildren – four boys and three girls, who will all gather for a celebratory luncheon to mark not only this wonderful wedding anniversary but also Barbara’s 90th birthday on 3 October at Sunnyside.
When the wedding bells rang at St Andrew’s all those years ago, the young bride and groom could never have imagined the path that lay ahead of them but their rich and fulfilling lives have brought them great joy as a couple.