Swindon couple celebrate 70 years of marriage on platinum anniversary

Keith and Lee Tyler first met in 1949 and went on to wed, start a family, and spend many years of their lives together.

They crossed paths at a gig at the Garage Canteen, where Lee’s father worked, when Keith played drums for a dance band.

The 93-year-old was born in a Gloucestershire village and his family moved to Swindon after the Second World War, while Lilian, 92 and known as Lee, was born in Swindon.

During their engagement, Keith completed a teaching degree at Bristol University and finished three years of national service as a sergeant in the Royal Army Educational Corps.

The Tylers married at St Mark’s Church in 1953, moved to Gloucester, and settled in Stratton five years later.

Keith and Lee Tyler on their wedding day in 1953 (Image: From public)

As part of the couple’s lifelong passion for live music and theatre, they took trips to London venues, watched live bands perform around the country, and joined the Swindon Amateur Light Operatic Society, where Lee worked at front of house while Keith took on leading roles like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.

He also performed with the Kentwood Choir, had a regular spot on Wiltshire Sound, and played the drums into his 80s until the kit became too heavy to carry.

Keith Tyler as Tevye in a SALOS performance of Fiddler on the Roof (Image: Newsquest)

Lee went to the same school as Diana Dors, learned shorthand to become a secretary, then retired from Allied Dunbar in 1994.

They still keep an eye on Swindon’s amateur dramatic societies and enjoy spending time with daughter Susan, granddaughters Jodie and Tessa, and great-granddaughters Isaac (three) and Raif (five months).

Lee said: “We’ve had quite an interesting life, with lovely memories to look back on.

“We have a close family who we see very often and have made a lot of friends over the years.

“We often say where has all the time gone? It’s like we have lived several different lives.

“There is no secret to a long marriage. We've had struggles but just keep going, get on with things, take whatever comes, and support each other as best we can.”

Keith worked at Walcot Secondary School during the 60s, then as house-master at Park Grammar School, then as head of sixth form at Churchfields School until his retirement.

He said: “I still meet past pupils who have kind words to say. It’s quite pleasing to think ‘I helped that person’.

“The time has gone so quick, you would not believe it. Not many people manage what we have done – I hope there’s a lot left to enjoy, too!”

Keith and Lee Tyler in Swindon. (Image: Newsquest)