War sweethearts return to Lisburn to mark their anniversary
by JENNY MONROE
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Kathleen and William Roe in Lisburn to celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary. with the Rev. John Brackenridge. |
Kathleen and William Roe on their wedding day |
A FORMER Lisburn woman who married a young soldier from England after meeting him when he was based in Lambeg during the Second World War, has returned with her husband to mark their 64th wedding anniversary. William Roe, 92 and his wife Kathleen, 90, who live in London attended the morning Communion Service in First Lisburn where they were welcomed by the Rev. John Brackenridge. They were accompanied by their son Wesley and his wife Clare.
In 1941 William, was stationed for some time in a field near Church Hill in Lambeg. Along with many other soldiers at the time, he visited the 'welcome canteen' in Market Square where facilities were available for service personnel.
It was here William met Mr and Mrs Robert Henderson and their daughter Kathleen, - a helper along with her parents.
William became friendly with Kathleen and he was often invited to her home on the Hillsborough Road.
In 1942 William was posted overseas but he kept up a correspondence with Kathleen during the rest of the war. They became engaged in 1946 and were married in First Lisburn Presbyterian Church, where Kathleen was an Officer in the Girl's Brigade, on June 2 1947 by the Rev. David Hay.
Some members of the congregation who were members of the Girls Brigade when Kathleen was an Officer, had the opportunity to talk about times past after Sunday's service.
Kathleen's grandfather W. J Bailey was an auctioneer and valuer who also had a Temperance Hotel at 60 Bow Street. The hotel was called the British Workman. He also had stabling accommodation
Ulster Star
01/07/2011
