George and Lil ready to celebrate golden days

MORE than half a century has passed since Lilian Piper first clapped eyes on future husband George at a dance and thought 'wow!'

The 20-year-old girl thought he was “gorgeous” and still does this week as they reach their golden wedding anniversary.

“He is the best thing that ever happened to me,” said Lil as they prepare to celebrate with family this weekend with a party at Thalia House in London Road, where they live.

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Not only that but this year their offspring also mark their own silver weddings - son George, who lives in Normans Bay with wife Kay, and daughter Julie in Pebsham Lane who is married to Rick.

The Pipers have four grandchildren - Emma and Rachel, Dan and Jo - and their first great-grandchild is expected in August.

Lil, now 72, was born in Henley Down and has two sisters and a brother, while George, 70, grew up in Hooe with four sisters.

They met at the Church Army hall in Station Road where George was playing in a live band and using a tea chest instead of double bass, while Lil had gone to dance rock ‘n’ roll.

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They married at Battle Register office, which cost George just 7/6, for which his wife still teases him.

Lil hoped for a big wedding but it was not to be because they had no money.

She said: “We had to borrow 30 bob to pay for the wedding cake. But it was fun - we all tripped out there on a bus. That’s why we are splashing out now. My biggest dream was to be married in church, but we couldn’t afford it. It didn’t matter though.”

The couple are renewing their wedding vows and receiving a blessing at Beulah Baptist Church before going to the Cooden Beach Hotel for a meal, and tonight they are having a party at the Manor Barn - all on Friday 13.

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“We didn’t have any problems booking anything up,” said George.

They have stayed in Bexhill all their married life, having settled first in Reginald Road before moving to London Road, where they stayed 37 years.

George spent his working years mainly in removals, and worked for Mepham’s and Bishop’s Move among other firms, and also worked at Graham’s plumbers merchants in Beeching Road.

Lil worked as a mother’s help, as well as doing 10 years at Bexhill cinema and 12 at the police station in Cantelupe Road.

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They put their successful marriage down to having the occasional row but also enjoying a really good laugh.

George added: “Our children are lovely. If we need them they are there for us. They are wonderful. Our grand-children are exceptional. We are so lucky.”

PICTURED: George and Lilian Piper