Couple's marriage in business for 70 years

A couple who opened one of Southwell’s most recognisable stores have celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary.

Mr Cyril Guise, 94 and his wife, 93-year-old Dorothy, set up The Handicentre around 1970, which they ran until the mid-1980s.

The couple met as 16-year-olds in Arnold and were married on June 28, 1947, at St Mary’s Church.

They travelled by train to Bournemouth for their honeymoon.

At the time of their marriage, Cyril was a sweet shop assistant at the Co-operative, and Dorothy was a sales clerk for John Player.

Cyril had served as a corporal in the RAF during the second world war while Dorothy was in the Women’s Land Army.

They later moved to Southwell and opened Key Stores before setting up The Handicentre.

Dorothy said: “It was wonderful to run our own business.

“I would advise any young couple to do it.

“As a married couple we could run a business together — but then I am an easy person to get on with.

“It has been wonderful living in Southwell, the people are friendly.”

'Never let your feet get stuck in the sand'

Cyril said the key to a long and happy marriage was never to go to bed on an argument.

He added that it was important to take on new challenges throughout his career.

“Never let your feet get stuck in the sand,” he said.

Cyril and Dorothy were presented with a card from the Queen at a special party held in Southwell attended by family and friends last Wednesday.

Both Cyril and Dorothy are keen golfers and have played at Sherwood Forest Golf Club and Norwood Park Golf Centre.

After selling The Handicentre, Mr Guise worked for his son, Ian, who runs Minster Giftware, until 1992.

The couple also have two grandchildren, Matthew and Rebecca, and two great-grandchildren, Eva and Emily.