There will be a diamond occasion for one of the area's best known couples, Lewis and Hettie Hilling, when they celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary next Thursday, April 20. Both born within a mile of their present home, Fair Havens, Wooden, the happy couple admit to knowing each other most of their lives, but revealed that their first official 'date' was a New Year concert at Bethesda Presbyterian Chapel on January 1, 1942; and it was at Bethesda, four-and-a-half- years later that they were married. A well-known raconteur and wit, Lewis was born at Foxen Holes, Saundersfoot, one of 11 children, while Hettie was born at the Beeches, Kilgetty. She had one brother, Glyn, who passed away last November. Lewis attended Saundersfoot School, starting work at 14 at Harold Thomas and Son, the then well- known department store. He joined the army as a despatch rider in 1942 in the Royal Armoured Corps, but spent most of his four-and-a-half years service as a fitter, and driving instructor. "I remember the headlines in the national press when I joined up, 'Have no fear, Hillings here'. I think Churchill said that," smiled Lewis. Hettie was educated at Pentlepoir and at Greenhill Grammar Schools, working as cashier at Woolworths in Tenby from 1938 to 1942 when she joined the Land Army, working on her uncle's farm at Milton. On de-mob, Lewis worked for 17 years as manager for Morris Bros, Tenby, before acquiring the ironmongery business, Lloyd and Mathews in Upper Frog Street. In 1977, the business moved to St. George Street and changed its name to Hillings Kitchenware, China and Glass Shop, being run by the couple's son Roland, who took over the reins in 1988 when Lewis retired. Lewis is a past president of Tenby Chamber of Trade, was first chairman of the National Chamber of Trade, Wales and a past president of the Rotary Club of Tenby. One of his greatest loves is bowling and he was for eight years chairman of Tenby Bowling Club and its president for three years. A founder member, he has been chairman of Heatherton Indoor Bowls Club for 12 years. Both Heatherton and Tenby Bowls Club have honoured him with life membership. Hettie also enjoys voluntary work. She is a founder member of the Gateway Club of Tenby, which she still attends weekly. Lewis has been a lifelong member of Moreton Methodist Church, of which he is treasurer/ secretary. Hettie has been a lifelong member of Bethesda CM Church, and has been organist of the church for 70 years, and has been treasurer for 35 years. However, the couple's greatest love is their family. They will be celebrating with Roland and Jenny, Gaynor and Steve, and their three grandchildren, Sarah, and the twins Tom and Simon. "I don't know about celebrating our wedding anniversary. I think I deserve a medal for putting up with Lewis for 60 years," smiled Hettie.
