It was more than seven decades ago that a couple went on a blind date.
Now the Meltham pair who met at the start of the Second World War are celebrating their platinum anniversary.
Arnold and Dorothy Lodge were married at the Methodist Church in Meltham on August 18, 1945.
But their relationship had got off to a troubled start after Arnold, now 96, was captured by the Nazis within weeks of the war beginning.
The couple were set up on a date while Arnold was stationed in Hereford with the Royal Artillery during his National Service.
But just two weeks after being sent to war he was captured and incarcerated by the Germans.
Back home, Dorothy had presumed he was dead, but found hope when she received a letter on June, 25, 1940 stating he was in the Stalag XX-A prisoner of war camp in German occupied Poland.
Unfortunate Arnold was held in the camp until the end of the war and on his release he returned to Dorothy.
They married and have lived in Meltham, in the same house in Sunny Heys, ever since.
Arnold worked for a short time in the village’s silk mill but hated it and moved on to AT Woodhead woollen mill.
He remained there until he retired, some 50 years later, performing just about every job in the mill.
Dorothy, now 93, worked at the silk mill for 11 years but in 1963 moved to the Magdale Vinery – ending up spending 19 years there.
Arnold is a keen member of Huddersfield Veterans Association and the couple both enjoy meetings of the Carlile luncheon club and support Meltham Friend to Friend.
The couple, who still live independently in their Meltham home, have a son named Raymond, a daughter named Jennifer, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
They celebrated 70 years of marriage with a party at St Bartholomew’s church hall and a meal out with family.
They forfeited any anniversary presents in favour of cash donations, raising £100 to be split between the veterans association and Meltham Friend to Friend.
