Phyllis and Harry Horsley are this week celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary, and are only too delighted to share the secrets of their long and successful marriage. Hu17.net went to meet the happy couple, who both have a fabulous sense of humour and the loveliest of laughs.
Back in 1948, Harry asked Phyllis to join a day-trip to Scarborough, even though Harry had a girlfriend at the time. “I was only asked to make the seats up on the coach” says Phyllis with a chuckle. “But we got together at the top of Scarborough lighthouse. He took hold of my hand, and it all started from there. I don’t think he could choose which girl he wanted”
Harry is quick to interrupt “I think I chose right”.
Although Phyllis is the first to answer every question, but Harry helps her out with all the facts when she needs it. Phyllis struggles to remember what her maiden name was, however she is quick to point out that it’s been rather a long time since she needed it. “I was called Phyllis Marshall then, yes that’s right, and Harry’s real name was William Henry, but everyone calls him Harry. I was 25 and he was 26. it was just three years after the war when we met, and we married two years later”. Asked if Harry had forgotten many anniversaries in 60 years, Phyllis couldn’t think of any, but Harry remembers the one and only year when their special day passed by unnoticed. “When we moved into this house 24 years ago, we were that busy flittin’ about we both forgot, but that was the only time.”
Six decades after their marriage ceremony at Hornsea Congregational Church, Harry and Phyllis will be celebrating their anniversary with family and friends at a party (at Leven Sports Hall) on Saturday night. “I think I’ve invited everyone” said Phyllis. ” There’ll be about a hundred and ten people coming, maybe one or two more”. In their late eighties they may be, but Harry and Phyllis are sure to enjoy every minute.
Harry told Hu17.net ” I started working before I was 14, and I never had a day out of work til I finished at 65″, at which point Phyllis chimes in “I’ve been a wife and mother for 60 years, I’ve not retired yet and never will!” When asked if the 60 years have been fantastic, Phyllis is very quick to answer. “No!” They both laugh again. “You’ve got to work at it” she adds, and Harry agrees “We’ve had our ups and downs. But I tell you now….if thou ever gets wed lad, get a notice up above t’bed that says ‘ALL DISPUTES AND ARGUMENTS SETTLED HERE’. That’ll see thee right!”
What a fabulous story Paul!
Phyllis and Harry are an inspiration to us all.
I work with their daughter Lynne and she is a lovely lady with a fantastic sense of humour……obviously runs in the family!
Well done HU17.net for covering such lovely positive stories.
What a wonderful couple, i have had many a laugh with them,especially phyllis, i would love to share these with you but phyllis would have to shoot me so best keep my mouth shut!!!!
Thank you Paul for this great article, much appreciated.
Mum and Dad had a wonderful night on Saturday at the party, thank you to everyone who made this possible. It meant such a lot to see so many people, you all made the night really special. Donations for Cancer Research UK and British Heart Foundation amounted to over £500, thank you so much.