Cannock couple pedal on after 60 years of marriage

Rose and Bill Turner, from Cannock, marked 60 years of marriage with a weekend with their two children and grandchildren at the Longford House Hotel in Cannock.

The couple, who are aged 79 and 84, have known each since they were teenagers growing up in the West Bromwich area but it was not until Mr Tuner returned from the army after been called up in 1948 that they got together.

Mrs Turner said: "There wasn't as many cars around in those days so we were members of Hilltop Cycling Club but it was more of a meeting place for everyone, it was definitely a social thing. There was a lot of members and you would get up to 40 bicycles on the road some days. Bill was a racing cyclist."

In 1954 Mr Tuner popped the question on Valentine's Day after the pair enjoyed a dance together before walking home.

"He had been carrying a ring in his pocket all night without me knowing about it, it was a real surprise," Mrs Turner added.

A year later the couple got married at St James' Church in West Bromwich.

Over the years they have done a number of jobs. Mr Turner has worked in car garages while Mrs Turner has been a tailor.

In the 1970s and 80s they ran shops together, one in Willenhall and one in Bentley, which 'sold everything' but in recent years since retiring they have simply enjoyed each other's company holidaying around the country.

They moved to Cannock, now living in Marshwood Close, in 2008 to be closer to their daughter Donna who is up the road in Hednesford.

Mrs Turner said: "We just enjoy each other's company. We have a wonderful family and we have been very lucky."

And asked why their relationship has stood the test of time she added: "I think what makes us different to the current generation is that life was harder when we were young, we had to do everything for ourselves and we just did it.

"It is a bit like cycling. It is hard work but you can do a 100miles without even thinking about it."