Malvern couples celebrate 50th anniversary

Brother and sister Colin and Pat Burston married sister and brother Lorraine and Graham Bird at St Andrew's Church in Poolbrook on June 10, 1972.

The two couples have remained close ever since, both choosing to celebrate the anniversary with a trip to the Isle of Wight.

A story published in the Malvern Gazette back in 1972 was sent in by Graham and Pat's son Neil.

In the story, headlined "BROTHER AND SISTER MARRY SISTER AND BROTHER" - the big day was laid out for readers.

It said: "The double ceremony was conducted by the reverend in charge, the Rev. J.W.L Newton, each couple taking their vows in turn."

STORY: The wedding as it appeared in the Gazette 50 years ago

The piece then goes on to describe the dresses of the two brides as well as their family background.

In the early years, Graham and Pat Bird's marriage took them around the UK as Graham's army career saw him live on a number of different bases.

He went on to complete 22 years of service, with the couple returning to Malvern having had three children: Claire, Neil and Paul, eventually adding four grandchildren to the family.

Colin and Lorraine remained in Malvern where Colin was a self-employed carpenter and builder and Lorraine was a school teaching assistant.

They have four children: Debbie, Emma, Vicky and Damo, along with six grandchildren.

COUPLES: The happy couples on their wedding day

The two couples remain happily married and regularly take trips away in their touring caravans at different holiday spots in the UK.

The week of their anniversary was spent at Woodside Bay in the Isle of Wight.

On the day of their wedding, the couples held a reception at the Foley Arms in Malvern before Mr and Mrs Burston left for their honeymoon in Bournemouth.

Mr and Mrs Bird spent their honeymoon in Rhyl.

Lorraine was given away at the ceremony by her father, a Mr F.C Bird while Pat was given away by her elder brother.