Announcements and tributes Family celebrates couple’s 70th year
Four generations of the same family got together to throw a surprise party for a couple celebrating 70 years of marriage.
John and Margaret Hall, both 91, also marked their special day by holding their six-week old great-granddaughter Sophia in their arms for the first time.
The platinum couple, from Kings Hill, were both born in London. They were both 18 when they met for the first time at the entrance to Earls Court tube station in June, 1943. John – a trainee Royal Navy telegraphist, was with a group of fellow sailors who started talking to a group of ladies from the London Ticket Sorting Office.
John and Margaret arranged to go on a double date and three years later were married.
They had two children: Ken, 67 and Alan, 65, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They have lived in Kings Hill for 21 years.
John, who also worked as a carpenter, was also an accomplished boxer, while Margaret was part of a group of tap dancers who entertained the troops during the war. She still hasn’t forgotten her moves and still enjoys a dance in the kitchen.
Granddaughter Jennifer Pohlmann and mother to Sophia, said: “John and Margaret are an inspiration to anyone who meets them. Still going strong at the age of 91, they’ve had their fair share of obstacles they’ve overcome through their sheer solidarity and determination. They are believers of never living beyond one’s means and allowing oneself “everything in moderation.”
She added: “They were just over the moon and couldn’t believe we all came around with the baby and two labradors, it was chaos but really fun.”
When asked what their secret to a long and happy marriage was, they said: “It’s all about give and take.”