A COUPLE who met working in a famous factory producing record players are about to celebrate 50 years of marriage.

And Brian Archer, 72, says he still has the same twinkle in his eye for Jean, 80, after all these years together.

The couple have lived in the same house they bought in 1966 following their marriage.

They will mark their golden wedding anniversary on Saturday, March 26 and are hoping to have a dinner surrounded by their family at the De Vere Hotel.

“I think it is a great achievement and we are pleased to reach it,” said Brian. “One of my favourite things about Jean is her cooking, she does a great Sunday roast.”

The pair married at Holy Rood Church in Groundwell Road and have lived in York Road for the past 50 years.

They have two children Kevin, 49, and Tracey Lang, 46, and three grandchildren Matthew, Ashley and Kelly.

Brian was born in Southampton Road and Jean, nee McGinley, was born in a small village called Ballindrait, Lifford in County Donegal Southern Ireland.

Jean flew the nest to come to Swindon where she had family and to look for a job, which is where aged 29 she met Brian, who was 21, in the machine shop at Garrard Engineering and Manufacturing Company, the famous record player factory in Swindon, which was on the now site of the Range and Halfords stores in Fleming way.

Over the past 50 years of marriage Brian said they have experienced the normal ups and downs of married life but have honed a special relationship by working as a team involving much give and take, essential to a long term lasting marriage.

They are happily enjoying their retirement years after working for most of their lives. Brian worked in many roles both in mechanical and electrical engineering, to which his experience he now uses in his many hobbies such as restoring classic motorcycles, amateur radio (call sign G4KEZ), robotics and artificial intelligence.

Jean worked in manufacturing and later in the catering services within the Swindon Civic Offices. Her hobbies includes all sports on television and looking after their well-kept flower garden.

Brian added: “It is all about working together as a team and a bit of give and take.”