Behind every great man is a great woman, or so the expression goes – but for the Fiddy’s, it’s been a “great Barbara” behind their success. 

Both born and bred in Nelson’s County, John and his wife Barbara have enjoyed a life full of friendship and family. 

And now the couple, from Newton St Faith’s, north of Norwich, are celebrating their platinum wedding anniversary with their nearest and dearest. 

Their family said: “We feel that achieving 70 years of marriage is quite something, as well as the charity work that they have both achieved.  

Eastern Daily Press: John and Barbara Fiddy are celebrating their platinum wedding anniversary

“They are very much a loving couple, family orientated, and parents to four children, seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.” 

The pair first met in 1952 at The Firs speedway stadium in Hellesdon, before it closed in October 1964. 

They went on to marry in Barbara’s home village of Buxton, between Aylsham and Coltishall, at its church on April 3, 1954. 

John was born and raised in Newton St Faith’s and worked as a driving instructor, while Barbara spent many years as a shop assistant at Looses on Magdalen Street in the city. 

Following a heart attack during his early 50s, John dedicated himself to raising money for the Royal Papworth Hospital and joined The Norfolk Zipper Club. 

Eastern Daily Press: John and Barbara Fiddy celebrating when John was made an MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth

Eastern Daily Press: John and Barbara Fiddy celebrating when John was made an MBE

With Barbara by his side, those who knew them were quick to adopt the expression “behind every great man is a Barbara”. 

John became the club’s chairman for more than 25 years and helped to raise more than £1m by putting on different events. 

These included selling daffodils on the side of the road by Norwich Airport, car rallies, quiz and chip nights, and carol services at Ely Cathedral and St Peter Mancroft to name a few. 

In 2008, he was made an MBE for “charitable services to cardiac patients” but said he “really couldn’t have done all this without his loving wife”. 

The couple marked the occasion with a party at the weekend.