Eve Farrant (nee Lisher) tells us of her marriage proposal whilst on holiday in the beautiful town of Paignton in Devon, from Bernard, whom she first met at Draycott's Estate Agents in Lancing, West Sussex, when she was a secretary and he, the office boy.

'In September 1940, Bernard and I arranged to go on holiday together to Paignton in Devon. Bernard was at that time stationed at Biggin Hill. I stayed with Bernard's grandfather and grandmother and he stayed with his Auntie Alma who was married to Peter Masser.

I remember being very enchanted with her lovely bungalow with well laid out gardens. I admired all her costly antiques that she showed me with great pride and we listened to her pianola.

I'd made the journey to Devon by train in order to take our luggage, as Bernard had petrol cans strapped on and around the motorbike. In this time of war it was impossible to obtain much petrol as the allowed ration was so small, and in order to do this journey and tour around, Bernard had to acquire some fuel from the aerodrome at Biggin Hill.

We were very happy, exploring Dartmoor, going to Falmouth and walking up Bolt Head. All signposts had been removed and, when away from the towns and main roads, we had to find our way by means of maps. We often got lost, especially when I was supposed to be navigator, sitting with the map on the back of the bike.

Although being madly in love now, I didn't really think Bernard was ready to consider marriage although we were both 22 years old. I remembered in the past that he'd said he'd never marry before 30. It was the most exciting time of my life, therefore, when, right at the top of Bolt Head, in really beautiful surroundings and in romantic fashion, Bernard asked me if I would marry him. However, I didn't want to feel committed unless we had plans for marriage in the near future, and this we agreed should be within a year, or sooner if he was posted abroad.

Of course, being a typical female I wanted to go home wearing an engagement ring, so on returning to town we made a visit to the jeweller's and purchased a solitaire diamond ring. With the cost of the holiday, finances were getting low and so we left my watch as security until we could send the full price of the ring after returning home. Neither of us had a bank account or cheque book in those days.

How happy I was as I went back and told Bernard's grandparents. When it came to returning home, I couldn't bear to be separated from Bernard, and so put the case on the train whilst I rode on a very uncomfortable pillion seat, but at least I was with Bernard. I was so excited to tell my parents, but received no surprise or congratulations.

'Aren't you pleased?' I asked, 'or at least surprised?'

'Not surprised', my father said, 'When two people go on holiday together, it's expected they'll get engaged, and I can't be pleased as he hasn't even got a job to come back to after the war.'

I, however, was ecstatically happy, so didn't worry too much about my father's reaction. Bernard and I went on to marry the following year at Lancing Methodist Church and lived a full and happy life together, having a son, Colin, and daughter, Lynda.'