JUNE and John Brown could justifiably claim their marriage is a cut above the rest.

For the couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary yesterday with a visit to the same haidressers they have frequented for the past 21 years.

The couple, who live in Parsons Mead, Abingdon, were at Creations hairdressers in Abingdon’s Peachcroft Centre, where they have been going every Wednesday since it opened.

They were greeted by staff with balloons, cards and a cake to congratulate them for reaching the milestone.

Mr Brown, 91, a former deputy headteacher at Cumnor Primary School, joked the secret to their happy marriage was simple.

He said: “I always say let her have her own way, that’s the answer.

“I still remember very clearly first meeting June at a village hall dance. I danced with her sisters and then I danced with her and we started going out from there.”

The couple married in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, on January 8, 1949, pictured inset, before moving to Abingdon 51 years ago after Mr Brown got a job at Carswell Community Primary School in Abingdon.

Oxford Mail:

June and John Brown on January 8, 1949

Mrs Brown (nee Smith), 85, who was a hairdresser and managed Hilton Shoe Shop in Abingdon, said: “It seems to have gone by so quickly.

“We have managed to be very happy throughout the whole of the 65 years and shared everything along the way, like sports.

“We both did lots of different types of sports – I even did weightlifting with him for a while.”

The couple, who don’t have children, are celebrating today with a meal,.

Mr Brown is also buying his wife a special watch to mark the occasion.