Barbara and James Meechan revisit the day their long marriage began. Photo / Rafaella Melo
Barbara and James Meechan revisit the day their long marriage began. Photo / Rafaella Melo
Hawke’s Bay couple Barbara and James Meechan have spent 70 years side by side, a love story that has withstood the test of time – and some terrible presents.
December 3 will mark the platinum wedding anniversary for the Taradale pair, who have raised a family of two sons, fivegrandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Both from Bristol, in western England, Barbara, now 92, and James, 95, first met on a bus trip to London.
“I was in my 20s and all my sisters were married and I was still living at home,” Barbara said.
“I thought he was nice and a good person. So, when I got back home, I went looking for him at the pubs and found him. Then we started going out.”
James spent most of his life working in a garage as a motor mechanic and started up a rental car store in Bristol. Barbara worked as a cakemaker and opened her own store.
The pair came to Hawke’s Bay in 1972.
“We made the right decision. We love New Zealand and people here are so kind,” Barbara said.
Over their 70-year journey together, Barbara and James have built a life full of stories.
“He was not very good at giving presents,” Barbara said with a laugh. “On my birthdays, I would get things like a flycatcher or a rotary hoe.”
James said, in his defence, he liked to give useful things as gifts.
The most memorable moments were the ones around family, he said.
“Even though we didn’t have much money, spending time with our family was always lovely.”
Sharing meals, sharing memories: Barbara and James Meechan still cherish this simple pleasure after 70 years of marriage. Photo / Rafaella Melo
When asked about the secret to their long-lasting marriage, Barbara said it came down to enjoying the same simple things, such as going for walks and having great meals.
“We always have been doing things together.”
Humour has also played a role in their long-lasting bond.
While Barbara has always been patient, James jokes that his deafness gives him an advantage of sometimes “just switching off”.
“But really, I can carry on with most things and accept them without hassle. That’s been good for us.”
Even after seven decades, they still go out together.
“We go to the RSA. We enjoy meeting up with people of our age,” Barbara said.
James, 92, and Barbara, 92, married in England 70 years ago.
Their sons view their parent’s relationship as an inspiration.
“I hope I get to what they have achieved,” said Nick Meechan, 69, who has been married for 46 years.
Looking back, Barbara said she wouldn’t change anything about James.
“We have had a good life and hopefully we can carry on for [a few more] years to enjoy the rest of our lives,” he said.
Barbara offered a piece of advice for all couples out there.
“Be nice to each other, be patient, and find some nice presents.”
