Scarborough couple celebrate golden wedding anniversary by getting joint coronavirus vaccinations

David and Barbara were surprised to be presented with flowers and prosecco

A Scarborough couple have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary by getting joint coronavirus vaccinations.

When David and Barbara Sutcliffe got married they knew that their lives would take some unusual twists and turns along the way, but they could never have foreseen the unusual way they would celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

The couple married in Halifax on February 6, 1971, and spent a number of years running a greengrocers, before moving to Scarborough with their young daughter Charlotte in 1985.

The move saw a change of path and David and Barbara, both 73, took over the Brincliffe Edge Hotel on Queen’s Parade which they ran for more than 20 years.

When they retired, the couple decided to stay in Scarborough, taking an active role in the community with Barbara treasurer of the Flower Club and David working with Scarborough Amicable Society which helps provide school uniforms for those who can’t otherwise afford them.

The couple were invited for their coronavirus vaccinations and despite the fact it was their golden wedding anniversary, they headed for Scarborough Rugby Club to have them done.

Barbara said: “It was a lovely surprise, we thought nobody knew, but they did.

Still smiling after half a century together

“As soon as we gave our name, the lady said, ‘You’re the golden wedding couple’ and made us move out of the queue and go and sit on two chairs. It was such a surprise.

“We were treated like royalty! Scarborough Medical Group doctors had arranged it all.

“She went away and came back with wine and flowers and took the photo. It was very embarrassing, but absolutely lovely.

“We were thinking it was going to be a quiet day, we couldn’t have asked for any more really.”

And the secret of their 50 year marriage?

Barbara said: “There’s no secret. We just get on and do everything together. Every decision we make, we make together.

“We’ve laughed together and cried together. We’ve never really had any bad arguments or fall outs.

“We were meant to be together.”