A SHIRLEY couple who have lived in the same house since making their vows have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.
Brian and Iris Latham, who met at a friend’s house in Solihull Road, Shirley in May 1963, have marked 60 years of marriage.
The couple said from that moment their attraction blossomed and less than 18 months later, on September 30 1964, they married at Hall Green Parish Church.
Over the years Brian was involved with Shirley Institute for 40 years being chairman from 1966 to 1976.
In 1966 Brian also took a commission with the 492 Squadron, Air Training Corp. based at the barracks in Haslucks Green Road, known as the Duke of Edinburgh squadron.
He was recommended for an MBE in 1990 for exceptional services to the Duke Of Edinburgh award scheme and to the corp as more boys passed their Duke of Edinburgh award with Brian than any other officer.
Flight Lieutenant Latham received his award from Queen Elizabeth on in November 1990 at Buckingham Palace.
Iris had trained as a dispensary assistant as a teenager but then joined the family retail business, of hardware and ironmongery.
She continued with her father after they were married and until the family business was sold, by that time she was retired herself.
Brian and Iris said the secret of a long marriage, normal living with tolerance and working together.
They celebrated their milestone anniversary at Ambleside Garden Centre in Earlswood with family and friends.
