Diamond date for Middle Rasen couple

Arthur and Nancy Robinson of Manor Drive were married in Middle Rasen Church on April 2, 1956 – Easter Monday.

The couple met at a family party two years earlier.

“He really came to see my sister, but she wouldn’t have anything to do with him so I got lumbered,” laughed Nancy.

“I took him under my wing and have mothered him ever since.”

A friendship formed and love blossomed. Arthur popped the question and they were married about a month later, when Nancy was 23 and Arthur 26.

The wedding was a quiet family event and the couple spent their honeymoon decorating their little cottage at Mill Corner, Faldingworth.

“We have never had a holiday,” said Nancy.

“Sixty years on and I am still waiting for my honeymoon – I think I have had it now.”

From Mill Corner, the couple moved to Buslingthorpe for six years and then to the house at Middle Rasen, which they have built into a family home over the past four decades.

Arthur spent 25 years in farm work, before moving to the Plastic Box Company at Market Rasen, then on to the ammunition factory at Faldingworth, before returning to farm work, on a poultry farm, until he retired.

“I still keep busy, with grass cutting and the like,” said Arthur. “I like a bit of gardening. Our son and grandson help with the garden – it is nice working together.”

Nancy kept working until she was 76, cleaning, but her main focus was on bringing up her family of four sons and two daughters.

“I always said I wanted a big family and that is what we have,” said Nancy.

“I am as happy as the day is long when I am with the kids.”

That family has grown even further now and includes 11 grandchildren – nine boys and two girls.

“We have never had a lot over the years but we are happy as the day is long,” said Nancy.

“I love my home, I love my kids, I love my family.

“We have told the family not to make a fuss over our anniversary, but I expect they will call in.”

“We have had good health, thankfully, and enjoy each day as it comes – we just get up and get on with things.”

“We have been very lucky.”