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Glasgow Times

Meet the Clydebank couple celebrating 70 years of marriage

James and Hannah Cunningham were married on July 1, 1955, in the United Free Church in Knightswood. At their home in Faifley, the sweetheart couple have shared their journey, which has led them to their platinum wedding anniversary. READ NEXT: Check out these 13 iconic Scottish words just added to the dictionary READ NEXT: Glasgow's new ship hall opened in honour of woman shipbuilding pioneer (Image: Colin Mearns) "I met her at the dance in Todd's Masonic Hall in Clydebank. They had big bands, and it was all ballroom dancing." 93-year-old James, best known as Jim, explained. He continued: "I think I said, 'Do you want to dance?'" "I had red hair, and he never ever thought he would go out with a redhead." 89-year-old Hannah responded. Two years after they met, James was called up for national service as a toolmaker. Despite being apart, the couple sent each other letters constantly to stay in touch. Jim said: "They used to tell us to write letters, encourage you to write home. We would sit in our billet because there was no television or even a radio, so you were virtually passing the time writing letters. "She would send me poems." Hannah added: "Do you know I have every single letter that he's ever given me? "I've answered every one of them. That's true love." Hannah has collected the letters, which have now turned yellow with age, in a box. (Image: Newsquest) Jim asked Hannah to marry him before he went to do his national service in England; however, when he returned from leave, he asked again, and they married not long after. (Image: unknown) The couple had three children together, two daughters and a son, when Jim came back from his service, where he ended up in a role as a civil servant. Sharing the most memorable moments of their life together, Jim shared the story of when Hannah went into labour with their second child. However, with no midwife in sight, it was up to Jim to deliver the baby. He said: "The midwife never turned up on time, it was just me. What else could I do except run around panicking? "We didn't have any phones, so I had to run to the phone box." Luckily, their son was born well at their home. (Image: Colin Mearns) "We had a lot of laughs us, we laughed a lot," Jim said, sharing the secret to so many years together. "Some compromise, too," He added. "He gives in to me mostly", Hannah replied. The couple will share a night with family and friends to celebrate their 70 years of marriage.