90-year-old twins celebrate their birthday at Red House pub in Marsh Benham

TWINS who have lived in the Newbury area all their lives celebrated their joint 90th birthday in a family celebration on Saturday, February, 19.

Don Beaver and Lorna Reeves (née Beaver) were born at home in East Woodhay in 1932 to Hilda and Cecil.

They celebrated their joint birthday with a pub lunch in the Red House in Marsh Benham surrounded by their large and loving family.

Christine Leonard, Mr Beaver’s daughter, said: “We had a lovely time on Saturday enjoying quality family time and reminiscing on past memories.”

The pair both missed seeing each other in lockdown but they spoke regularly on the phone to keep in touch.

The twins still call each other on a regular basis and meet up whenever they can to share their love of humour and have a giggle together.

Mrs Leonard said: “Humour has always played a big part of their relationship and they always find the funny side of life which they have shared with their family.”

Mr Beaver and Mrs Reeves both attended East Woodhay Primary School before they split up and studied at Newbury’s two grammar schools for their secondary education.

After they had finished their schooling, the pair worked at the family firm AA Beaver, which was set up by their grandfather Arthur and is still in business today.

Mr Beaver worked his way up the company and eventually took over the reins of management when his father retired.

Mrs Reeves worked as a secretary for AA Beaver before going on to work at a doctor’s surgery in the Wharf in Newbury and then she became the Kennet School secretary where she remained for many years.

Both Mr Beaver and Mrs Reeves are now widowed, but they enjoyed long and happy marriages.

Mr Beaver was married to Phil, and Mrs Reeves to Tony, and the two couples spent a great deal of time together, often going on holidays together and celebrating Christmas with each other as well.

The twins were avid sports players in their youth, and were known around Newbury for their impressive tennis and table tennis abilities.

Family is now a huge part of both of their lives and between them they have six children, 13 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

Mrs Leonard said: “The Beaver/Reeves family have always been close and we still try to get together during the summer for a big family gathering whenever possible.”