Unromantic wedding proposal has led to Pennington couple Ann and Bernie Lane celebrating 65 years of marriage

A “not very romantic” proposal led to a marriage that has lasted 65 years for a Pennington couple.

Ann and Bernard Lane met when she was 18 and he 19. Ann, whose maiden name was Green, was living in New Milton at the time.

“Bernie was one of a group of friends from Southampton who would come down to New Milton at the weekend for a night out. We all used to go out as a group.

“I liked him mostly because of his appearance, I don’t really know what my type is but whatever it is he was it!”

Bernie (86) eventually asked Ann (85) out on a date, which took place on 4th October 1957.

“After two years of going out Bernie said something like, ‘I think it’s best we got married’,” said Ann.

“It was not a very romantic proposal. We were married in Lymington register office on 7th September 1959. I don’t like fuss so we didn’t even have any wedding photos taken, and the reception was an open-house affair.”

The couple settled into married life in a house opposite the Chewton Glen. Ann worked for a while at Wick Ferry holiday camp in Christchurch while Bernie travelled all over the UK working as a lorry driver.

The couple had two daughters – Angela in 1961 and Jennifer in 1965. They now have five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Ann said: “I think the secret of our marriage is that I am very laid-back and go with the flow. Bernie is the same so there have been no big rows, no dramas. Just a nice comfy, compatibility.

“It’s been so easy in a way. We’ve enjoyed lots of trips abroad, especially coach holidays. We’ve also had great friends over the years and are lucky to see a lot of the family as most of them live locally.”

The couple were looking forward to a special meal out with daughter Jennifer to celebrate their sapphire wedding anniversary.