Old school pals to marry after love blossomed at reunion (From Stourbridge News)

Old school pals to marry after love blossomed at reunion

8:30am Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News

A COUPLE are set to marry after a whirlwind romance which began at a school reunion - 52 years after they went their separate ways.

Robert Hale and Carole Fox will tie the knot on Friday September 28, just five months after meeting at the Colley Lane Primary reunion.

The pair were just friends throughout their time at school and after leaving Homer Hill Secondary Modern aged 15 went on to enjoy successful careers and partnerships.

But love blossomed when the 69-year-olds realised they had feelings for each other at the reunion at Cradley Sports and Social Club, Colley Lane, in April, which they attended after seeing an article in the Halesowen News.

Robert, of Leafield Gardens, Halesowen, and Carole, of Birmingham Street, Stourbridge, have invited a host of old school friends as well as family to their wedding at Two Gates Ragged Chapel in Cradley.

Robert said: “It feels fantastic.

“It came at the right time because we were both single - so we went out and it led to us becoming joined at the hip - we have been inseperable since.

“We realised there was an affinity between us. We are getting married because we are old fashioned and it’s a commitment which means you have got to make it work and can’t walk away. You have to grab it while you can because you don’t know how long it will last.”

Carole, nee Attwood, said: “At school we were just friends - but we were both good at sport.

“After going out with Robert a couple of times I knew there was something there. We have so much in common - we went out for a few of glasses of wine - then seven hours later we were still there talking and talking.

“We have a shared history and love each other very much.”

The couple had met up at previous reunions in 1988, 2008 and 2010 - but the time was not right for romance until this year.

After leaving school Robert worked as a civil servant in Malvern. His wife of 21 years Diane died in 2008.

Carole was a party planner for Pippa D ladies fashions for 30 years then worked as an office manager. Her partner Peter West died in 2010. Her two daughters and two grandchildren are delighted she has found happiness again with Robert.

The couple, who alternate between each others homes, share a love of Burnham-on-Sea and are considering moving there after they tie the knot.

Their wedding reception will be held at the place where love blossomed - Cradley Sports and Social Club.