A March couple who made it a routine treat to share a box of Cadbury’s chocolates at the movies, after enjoying that as their first date in 1955, are celebrating 60 years of marriage.

Cambs Times: Joan and Gordon Barton celebrate their diamond wedding anniversaryJoan and Gordon Barton celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary (Image: Archant)

Gordon and Joan Barton, are celebrating their diamond wedding and say they feel lucky to have had a very happy six decades together.

Joan, 79, of March, said: “I was walking home after being at the cinema and Gordon just started chatting to me asking me what I was up to. We then arranged to meet the next Saturday to watch a movie.

“He bought me one of those lovely little boxes of Cadbury chocolates and that became our treat together from there on in.

“In those days it seemed to be easier for people to meet to go on dates. People would just talk to each other and it felt very natural.

“Nowadays, people have their head in their phones. Nobody talks. It seems to be a lot more difficult for people to meet and talk.”

Gordon, 86, proposed to Joan after just four months but they did not marry until three years later in July 1958.

They married at St Wendreda’s Church with a reception afterwards at the Co-Op Hall.

Gordon worked on the land and then in a factory.

The pair have enjoyed lots of travelling with local coach firm, Fenn Holidays, and say they especially enjoyed trips to Austria and Norway.

Sadly, Gordon was struck by a car when the couple were returning from Peterborough last December and it has left them unable to go far, while he still recovers from the ordeal.

Joan said: “We have had a good life together. We do a lot of things together but always did our own things too. I think that is important.

“We both worked hard and had fun together.”

They have two daughters, Carol and Pamela, three grandchildren Claire, Andrew and Samantha and two great grandchildren Dylan and Haydn.

They plan to celebrate their big day with a party for family at home.