A BARNSLEY couple who first met when they were set up on a blind date have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.
Peter and Barbara Sabin, 84 and 80, live on Pine Close in Hoyland and have been happily married since their wedding at Hoyland Mount Tabor Methodist Chapel on October 1, 1960.
The pair first met four years earlier when Peter returned from the army when he turned 20.
On his return home, Peter’s brother helped set him up on a blind date with Barbara.
Barbara was sceptical at first but romance soon developed between the pair.
“I must admit, at first I crept onto the same bus as Peter to see what he looked like beforehand.
“It was strictly friends at first, but the more we saw of one another, the more we fell for each other.”
Peter and Barbara believe it’s important to be strong for one another whilst also making each other laugh.
“Sometimes it feels we’ve been married for a lifetime and other days it feels like yesterday.
“Of course we’ve had our ups and downs but I love him just the same. He makes me laugh every day which is so important.
“We’ve had four beautiful children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren so we’re a relatively big family.
“My son Richard lost his life in a car collision a while back, but myself and Peter held each other up.
“Our family are wonderful and we’re really proud of them.”
Barbara and Peter were expected to celebrate with a meal at a local pub, but are now looking forward to a socially-distanced get together at home.
“We were planning a big family meal on the day to celebrate, but unfortunately the pandemic has halted those plans.
“As long as we’re together, we’ll be very happy. We’re going to be surrounded by our family who will make it special.”
