Platinum anniversary couple celebrate
"I don't remember a time we were ever apart" - these are the words of Horace Lane, who is celebrating 70 years of wedded bliss with his beloved wife Gwen.
Horace, 91, and 88-year-old Gwen now lived in Penn, Wolverhampton, but grew up in Blakenhall together.
"When we were children we went to the same school and Gwen lived on the next street over, our gardens were connected so we always knew one another,"said Horace.
"I don't really remember the moment we started courting, we have just always been together and I don't remember a time we were ever apart."
Horace was in the Navy and the couple deciding to get married while he was still serving, tying the knot in 1944.
"I was in the Fleet Air Arm so I was never actually shipped off to war, I just went from air base to air base working as an air mechanic. I just went where they told me to."
After leaving the services, Horace worked for several engineering companies including Villiers and Lucas Industries.
The couple have three children, twins Sue and Patricia, 56, and eldest son Roger, 64. Their family has grown over the years and they now have four grandchildren and a 12-month-old great grandchild.
Horace retired in 1987 but remained treasurer of the British Legion, Penn, until it closed down and said he now likes to spend his time golfing and gardening.
Gwen said: "It is a very long time but we have been very happy. Time flies by and you don't really notice until you stop and look around and the children have gone and your knees ache.
"Everybody has their ups and downs but we have had many happy years."
While Horace was in the Navy, Gwen was drafted in to make parts for the war effort and later worked in Miller's Toy Shop in Wolverhampton.
She said: "He's a very good husband and we've had a good life. He loves gardening, but I'm not that keen. I do like to see it get done though I don't mind."
See also: Dance led to lifetime of romance.
