Marching bands and wedding bands: Sydenham couple’s 60-year marriage

As the 79-year-olds celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday (Thursday), it was also a chance to look back on Mr Mawby’s relationship with ‘banding’ that has lasted even longer.

The former Lockheed employee and euphonium player jokes that his wife is a “band widow”, such is his love of the pastime.

He said: “I have been banding for almost 70 years now - it’s a way of life. They say come and play and I go.”

While stationed at Budbrooke Barracks during his time in the army band, a 19-year-old Mr Mawby, who grew up in Rugby, was first introduced to Warwick girl Eve Hancock at the Warwick Mop in 1949.

Mrs Mawby, who went to Coten End School, said: “I went with a friend who knew Des - I suppose you could say she set us up.

“Eighteen months later we decided to get married. Des didn’t get down on his knees, but he did ask my dad for permission!”

The couple were married at St Nicholas church in Warwick and lived in Lillington and Leamington before moving to Lynwood Walk in Sydenham – where they still live - 26 years ago.

While Mrs Mawby is not a musician herself, she has always supported her husband’s love affair with band life. Despite having heart problems, Mr Mawby still regularly practises and performs with the Warwickshire Band and the Warwick Community Band.

The couple, who have three children, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren, are hoping to mark their special occasion by going on holiday.

Mr Mawby said: “My advice to couples would be to just enjoy life and take things as they come.”