Celebrations were in high order for the 60th wedding anniversary of well-known Narrabri couple Barry and Marie Keys.
Nearly 80 guests attended a luncheon held at The Exchange in Maitland Street on Saturday, January 28.
Barry and Marie’s daughter Therese Keys spoke on behalf of the family and welcomed everyone to the celebrations.
Barry and Marie both responded and thanked everyone for attending their special day.
Warm and welcoming speeches were made by family members and long-time friend Terry Miller, recalling many cherished past times and anecdotes with fondness and humour.
A delicious meal was served followed by a celebratory hummingbird cake made by Alisa Manton and served to the guests as dessert.
The couple were married sixty years ago at the Holy Rosary Church in Bellata on January 26, 1963, with a reception held at the Bellata War Memorial Hall.
Although their first meeting took place at the annual Bellata Matrons Ball in August 1961, the romance did not begin until they came across each other again, at a party in January 1962.
The pair had both been brought up in the local district, with Barry the son of Bill (dec) and Nell Keys (dec) of Narrabri, and Marie the daughter of George (dec) and Nellie Howard (dec) of Bellata.
A whirlwind romance ensued, and the happy couple were married almost a year later to the day.
The couple were attended by groomsmen, brother of the groom Dennis and cousin of the groom Fr Lex Keys.
Bridesmaids attending were Marie’s cousin Judy Buchanan (nee Howard), and sister-in-law Patricia O’Connor (nee Keys).
Unfortunately Mr Key’s cousin Fr Lex Keys, Mrs Buchanan and Mrs O’Connor were unable to attend the celebrations.
Altar boys attending the church service were Barry’s brother John, and long-time friend Terry Miller.
Barry and Marie have six children, David, Mark, Loretta, Therese, Grahame and Stephen, and are proud grandparents to eight grandchildren, Tyler and Charlie Keys, Jack and Victoria Meppem, George and Xavier Keys, and Erin and Isabella Keys.
Unfortunately, grandson Tyler was unable to attend the luncheon.
Barry and Marie were thrilled with the celebrations.
“We were overwhelmed with the number of friends and relatives who attended the luncheon,” said Marie.
“We had a lovely weekend, one to be remembered and added alongside the wonderful memories we have enjoyed throughout our life together.”
