Childhood sweethearts Brian and Isla were married on May 14, 1944 - 65 years ago today at Albany Methodist Church.

“Ours was the first wedding ceremony held at the church on a Sunday,” Isla said.

“We married on a Sunday because there was no train out of Albany on a Saturday and we didn’t want to be left facing everyone the following day.”

After honeymooning in Bunbury, Isla became a school teacher in Bullsbrook, while Brian returned to war service as a Flight Lieutenant in the RAAF.

Isla has a clear memory of the first time she laid eyes on her future husband.

“He was 13 years old and walking in front of the Albany Town Hall with his cousin,” Isla said.

“I later found out he came from Borden and was a boarding student.

“He had a cigarette in his mouth and I was absolutely disgusted to see him smoking.

“But it was when we were both 17, in the fourth year of high school, that I really fell in love with him.

“The headmistress said to me ‘Why do you walk up the same path with the same boy every lunchtime?’

“It was a terrible crime to walk with boys in those days.

“But I wouldn’t change a thing, the past 70 years are full with the most wonderful memories.”