Pair jet from Oz to where it all began

2:18pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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A COUPLE jetted half way round the world to celebrate 25 years' of married bliss in a Swindon eatery.

Barry, a tool-maker and Yvonne Cross a nurse, went back to The Grove Harvester in Drove Road to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary on Sunday.

The venue hosted the then newly-weds' wedding reception and has held a special place in their hearts ever since.

The happy couple, both 47, now live in Adelaide, Australia, but met in Swindon through their love of motorbikes.

"We both went to the British Rail training school and Yvonne was the only girl out of 106 trainees," said Barry.

"Back then we both had Suzuki GT 250 bikes, which was quite funny.

"I can't remember what my chat-up line was - something like can I borrow your foot-rest?

"Hers was more like can I borrow your helmet?"

The couple, who used to live in Stratton, married at the Register Office in the town centre and had wedding photos taken in the gardens of Queen's Park.

The ceremony and reception cost them just £400.

They moved to Australia in 1991 for the bigger space and the glorious weather.

"One of the best parts about coming back to Swindon is to see the speedway," said Barry.

"I always keep an eye out for it on the internet and follow the results and we're doing so well at the moment. I met Alun Rossiter the other day - it was amazing.

"I also miss a good old English country pub.

"A nice pint of beer goes down well. We just have the smaller schooners back home.

"I have to say that I do miss the music like Coldplay, Keane and Radiohead as well.

"The UK has brilliant music. I do listen to it on the net but it's not quite the same."

A family party to mark the special day was thrown in Covingham on Saturday.

Yvonne, who works as a nurse, added: "This has been a big surprise - we didn't expect any of it.

"It's lovely to be back in Swindon to celebrate our anniversary with everyone."

Barry's brother Alan, 43, from Covingham, said: "It's lovely for them to be here again in the place where it all started.

"He's very much the joker of the pack, while she is the stable, sensible one.

"That seems to suit them quite well."

The couple, who have visited France, Brussels and Switzerland in a European tour, will be visiting friends and family for seven weeks in Swindon before flying home.