Worksop: Wartime sweethearts who met in 1940s aged 16 celebrate platinum wedding anniversary

Reuben, from Worksop, plucked up the courage to ask Emma, from Rhodesia, to dance when they were aged both just 16 at a town centre ballroom, now the Palais Bingo Club.

The couple later married on July 18th 1944, days before Reuben was due to be called up to serve in the War.

During his days of service Reuben travelled as far as Burma and India.

The newlyweds, who now live in Worksop, wrote to each other regularly and Reuben returned home four years later.

They went on to have three children, Anne, Reuben and Dale, along with four grandchildren Stephanie, Tilly, Poppy and Reuben ‘The Third’ aged 6.

Emma later became a major political figure in the district, becoming a Bassetlaw labour councillor and later Chair of the council from 1987 to 1989. She later retired in 2000.

Emma said: “Here’s my advice if you want to make it to your 70th anniversary.”

“Share everything, never have secrets, always confide in each other, and accept that everyone has their ups and downs.”

“I can’t believe that on Friday 18th July Reuben and I will have been married 70 years.

“The times goes so fast- make the most of it. It’s precious.”