A CHURCH Hill couple who have never let the sun set on an argument in 50 years are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary.
Janet and Bill Billingham, both 71, met in 1951 at the Bullring Shopping Centre when they were just 16 years old. Both had grown up in Birmingham.
On September 15, 1957, they married at St John's Church in Sparkhill, followed by a reception at Golden Hillock School.
Janet said: "We've had ups and downs the same as all couples but the downs just make us stronger.
"Bill has a policy of never letting the sun set on an argument. We've never gone to bed out of friends for 50 years."
And the couple also helped support each other when Janet - who has never smoked - developed lung cancer. She has now been given the all clear.
Before retiring, Janet was a contract manager at a cleaning firm and Bill was a heavy goods driver.
A party was held to celebrate the milestone at Lodge Park Social Club with 140 guests, including the couple's son, who is travelling from Dubai, plus a friend coming from France.
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