Caerphilly Observer
Member Sign in Manage Membership
Become a Member - no ads
Menu
  • News
    • Senedd
    • Business
    • Newport
    • Opinion
  • Sport
    • Rugby union
    • Football
  • Membership & Subscriptions
  • Notices
  • Obituaries
  • About
    • Advertise
  • Sponsored Content
Menu

Cefn Fforest couple who shared a pram to celebrate 62nd anniversary

News | Tom Hicks | Published: 09:00, Sunday March 31st, 2024.

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Mr and Mrs Main were first pictured in a pram together 84-years ago
Mr and Mrs Main were first pictured in a pram together 84 years ago

A Cefn Fforest couple who grew up as neighbours are celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Brian and Margaret Main grew up on Addison Street, Cefn Fforest, before eventually marrying in in 1962.

The pair, now both aged 84, were friends growing up, until Brian moved away to Ebbw Vale with his father. Brian later returned aged 18, and him and Margaret began “courting”.

They became Mr and Mrs Main on March 31, 1962, and now live happily in Cwmgelli, Blackwood.

The couple have three children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about their marriage, Brian said: “I moved away with my father when I was quite young, as he was a colliery manager and was often moved around.

“When I came back home at 18, Margaret was still living next door to the rest of my family and we started courting from there.

“At 21, we got married at Bedwellty church, before moving to a house I built in Cwmgelli around 1973.”

Brian spoke about the range of jobs he has had over the years, starting off as an apprentice fitter, before following in his father’s footsteps and working at the collieries in Oakdale and Blackwood.

He continued: “I drove overhead cranes for a while and resprayed cars. That all stopped after the miners’ strike though, they were our main customers.”

Brian also worked as a traffic warden in Tredegar, then Blackwood, before eventually retiring in 2003.

“I’ve managed well since. I’ve always been good at working with wood and metal so I’ve kept myself busy with tasks here and there.”

Brian explained how Margaret started her career as a dress designer for toy maker Chilton, before working as a seamstress in Blackwood before becoming a housewife.

“We are big caravaners these days. We did get on a plane for the first time in 2010 but Margaret wasn’t a fan”, Brian joked.

Asked how they’d be celebrating their anniversary, Brian said: “Margaret has difficulty hearing these days so we’ll probably do something quiet and local. I’ve been asking what she wants but she’s yet to give me an answer.”

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge said: “I’d like to congratulate Mr and Mrs Main, who can only be described as a smashing couple who are always willing to help anyone.”

On the secret to a long-lasting marriage, Brian joked he has “no idea”, but said he “must be doing something right”.


Sign-up to our daily newsletter


Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.

Become a member today

Brian Main

Latest News

  • Caerphilly Senedd by-election: A quick look at the candidatesWednesday, October 22, 2025
  • Green Party candidate Gareth Hughes
    Gareth Hughes: The Green Party candidate for the Caerphilly Senedd by-electionWednesday, October 22, 2025
  • Polling stations
    Explained: Which communities can vote this week and whyWednesday, October 22, 2025
  • doctor stock image
    NHS Wales faces ‘historically low’ funding settlementWednesday, October 22, 2025
  • First Minister Eluned Morgan and Welsh Conservative group leader Darren Millar
    First Minister meets Welsh Conservative leader for budget talksWednesday, October 22, 2025
  • hospital stock image
    Welsh Government accused of hypocrisy on NHS transparencyWednesday, October 22, 2025

Find out how the communities of Caerphilly County Borough get their names

Caerphilly

Legal & Public Notices

  • Notice of application for a variation of a premises licence: Pontygwindy Industrial EstateWednesday, October 22, 2025
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, October 16, 2025
  • Caerphilly County Borough Council public noticesThursday, October 2, 2025
  • Notice of application for a premises licence: Hanbury Road, BargoedThursday, September 25, 2025
© 2009-2024 Caerphilly Media Ltd, Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community Watford Road Caerphilly, CF83 1BJ. Incorporated in Wales No. 07604006.