60th wedding anniversary of romance born in wake of war
In the aftermath of World War II, anti-German feeling was running high – but 60 years on the Downend couple are still together and yesterday celebrated their diamond anniversary.
The celebrations were particularly special to them because recent health scares have made them doubt if they would reach the milestone.
Dennis, or Den, 88, is currently in Southmead Hospital after suffering a stroke and pneumonia, so Inge spent the afternoon in hospital with him.
They met in 1945 when Den was posted to Berlin with the British Army. They spent two weeks together before Den was moved to Jamaica, and they kept in touch by letter for two years.
When Inge, now aged 81, left Berlin for England, she had to say goodbye to her mother, who was coping with the disappearance of her father – it was believed he had been taken prisoner by the Russians, and was never seen again.
Her mother was unable to travel to England to attend their wedding at St George's Church in St George, which has since been demolished, but a few years later she was able to visit and spend time with them and her grandchildren Michael and Christopher.
Inge and Den now also have one grandson, Sam.
Inge used to work for Inland Revenue, and Den worked as a machine setter for Rolls-Royce at Filton until he retired.
Inge said: "I suppose the secret to a happy marriage is give and take.
"Den and I enjoy spending time together, going on holiday and gardening, or just sitting and reading."
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