Nonagenarian Couple Advise Others to ‘Never be Bossy’ on their 73rd Wedding Anniversary

Terry and Miriam Barber advised the younger generation to ‘never be bossy’ as they celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary at Sedgley Court care home with a romantic meal for two.

Terry (96) and Miriam (99) met at Dudley Castle Ballroom in their early twenties. Terry was a superintendent registrar and Miriam a secretary.

Throughout their courtship they would go for meals at a small restaurant opposite the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton, where Terry said they ‘could spend no more than £5’.

Marrying in 1951, aged 23 and 26 at the Gornal Baptist Church in Dudley, Terry and Miriam never left each other’s side. They went on to have two children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

In celebration of their 73rd wedding anniversary, staff at Sedgley Court surprised the couple with a romantic Sunday lunch in the home’s garden room.

The dinner table was dressed with heart confetti, a bouquet of roses and a box of chocolates. As Terry and Miriam walked in, they couldn’t believe their eyes. Miriam said,

‘It’s so lovely to have everyone join in on our celebration, and the meal was just the cherry on the cake. My advice to the younger generation to leading a long and happy marriage like ours is to never be bossy, and just get along together!’

Sarah McGuinness, the Home Manager at Sedgley Court, added, ‘It’s so important to us that we support our residents in celebrating these huge milestones in their lives.

‘Terry and Miriam are such a wonderful couple with shining personalities, it was a joy to give them the special anniversary they so deserve.’

You can meet Terry, Miriam, Sarah and everyone at Sedgley Court at the home’s Cuppa Joy Friday event on the first Friday of every month. From 10:30, all are welcome to the home’s café to share tea, cake, and live entertainment.

To find out more, you can call 01384 928404 or email Sedgley.court@idealcarehomes.co.uk.

Sedgley Court is a brand-new purpose-built luxury residential and dementia care home, operated by Ideal Carehomes, rated ‘Good’ by the Quality Care Commission. With 66 ensuite bedrooms, the home provides person-centred care and a full and varied activities programme.