Love lives here
"We met in Durban during the second World War, my husband was in the royal navy and I was in the army"
A LOCAL couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Saturday, 8 August, proving that love can in fact last a lifetime.
James and Eva Giles were just 24 and 19 years old when they decided that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. The elderly couple, who are now 93 and 89 years old, said that there was no secret to their longevity or their marriage besides just being supportive of each other in whatever the other was interested in pursuing.
“We have always had our own interests, at one stage I taught yoga. We have also travelled the world together a lot,” said Eva, whose other interests included ballroom dancing. “Our faith has been part of our lives, we are Christains,” she added.
Three children, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren down the line, the couple agreed that they have had a good life. James is originally from Great Britain while Eva hails from Mafikeng in the North West. “We met in Durban during the second World War, my husband was in the royal navy and I was in the army,” she said.
The couple had known each other for only three months before settling down and described getting married as the first challenge they faced because they were from different parts of the world.
They have lived in England and also in various parts of Durban before finally settling at Flame Lily Park, a place they now consider home. “Everyone here at Flame Lily is friendly to us. We have lived here for seven years now and we have a lot of friends who are like family to us,” said Eva, who said her husband’s hobbies included writing poetry.
Although James, who was discharged from hospital a few days ago, was more reserved during the interview, he was described as a lexicon. He did manage to say a few words that proved his wife’s claims true. The couple are no longer able to do the things they once enjoyed but said that they make the most of what they can do now.
“We go to sing-a-longs and any other forms of entertainment offered here at Flame Lily. We also like walking and we do that as often as we can,” Eva said. The couple enjoyed lunch with their family on the day of their anniversary.
