LIVING life to the full is the secret to a long marriage, that's according to Oliver and Anne Angus who have just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
The Ancrum Court couple this week raised a glass to the golden occasion and their union which began back in 1957 at a packed Gala Palladium – and led to a lifetime of public service and community involvement.
And former councillor Oliver – the dr
iving force behind the formation of Scottish Borders Council from Roxburgh District Council, as well as the controversial transfer of all of its housing stock – said he wouldn't change a thing.
Surrounded by anniversary cards from well-wishers, the 73-year-old told the Hawick News: "We have been dedicated to Hawick and its community and gained great pleasure and satisfaction from it. We've had a very busy life, but if you enjoy it, it's worthwhile."
Oliver and Anne Angus at their Ancrum Court home
Their life together began while Oliver was home on leave from the air force during his national service, when he asked a girl from St Boswells to dance.
"She was the only one my height", Oliver joked. But added: "She was a great dancer."
Twenty-five year old Anne and Oliver kept in touch when he returned to his base in Fife, and during weekends back home they would enjoy nights out at the cinema or go dancing.
The couple were married on July 6, 1960, in St Boswells Parish Church – on a Wednesday which was a half-day for Anne, who worked at Henry's Grocers in Galashiels.
Following a honeymoon in Kirkcaldy, the pair set up home in Trinity Street, and as their lives together began, so did Lyle & Scott costing clerk Oliver's involvement in public life.
He became a BB officer, drill instructor, and drum major with Hawick Pipe Band – with whom he rose to the rank of sixth in the world – and as their family grew with the arrival of children Bill and Mary, they switched from Eildon Road to Ancrum Court, a move which would lead to Oliver forming the Stirches Residents' Association, and a long-standing interest in housing.
Oliver also went on to become chairman of Hawick Community Council, and as a councillor was housing committee chairman.
And having only this year retired as board of management chairman at Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) due to ill health, Oliver stated: "We were always busy, but every so often something happens that makes it worthwhile."
Anne was also very active, and while raising the family she became the founder member of Burnfoot WRI and Arthritis Care, of which she is still the treasurer.
Oliver and Anne on their wedding day at St Boswells Parish Church in 1960
Now 75, Anne, who worked as a bookkeeper for Nichol Travel, and enjoyed spells with Murray Brothers and Murray the builders, told the Hawick News: "Life was hectic but good. I never imagined reaching 50 years of marriage as it sounds such a long time. However, the time has flown by, and we've had a nice, exciting life."
Oliver, who worked at Pringle for 40 years and was this year honoured by SBHA with the naming of the new Oliver Angus Boardroom at its Selkirk headquarters, added: "We have had a super time.
"And I would definitely say keeping busy and having outside interests plays a huge part in that. It means you've got something to speak about when you come home."
The couple also revel in their four grandchildren Emily, Sophie, Sally and Madeleine.
And with Oliver an office bearer with Lodge 424, still on the board of SBHA and a member of the Callants, Probus and Wilton Bowling Clubs, the golden couple will certainly still have plenty to chat about.
