U.K.: Bill Ties The Knot Aged 96

PERTHSHIRE and Kinross, Scotland (Perthshire Advertiser), November 2, 2007: His centenary celebrations are only four years away, but sprightly Bill Rodger is tie-ing the knot in Perth tomorrow. The self-confessed “old romantic – on both counts!” is marrying long-time partner Liz Stewart at his Cherrybank home, before teeing-up a champagne celebration for family and friends at Craigie Hill Golf Club. One of Scotland’s oldest grooms, Perth registrar Ruth Ingham confirmed: “The oldest man I can recall getting married locally was in his eighties. I certainly don’t know of anyone getting married in his nineties.” The couple, both widowed, have been together for 11 years, enjoying regular sunshine breaks together. Liz (74), from Errol, laughed: “Bill didn’t get down on one knee to propose or he’d never have got up again!” And yesterday, Bill (96) admitted the seeds of his proposal were sown a few months ago when one of his great-grandchildren queried whether Liz was the youngster’s great grandmother. He said: “That started the bell tinkling I suppose. We had talked about it before but had shelved it. There didn’t seem to be many advantages in getting married!” Liz recalled: “We were sitting in the conservatory when Bill said he had something I should think about. That’s when he said we should get married. I hadn’t expected it and asked for time to think it over. It was a big step. I had been a widow for 16 years and we have long been thought of as a couple anyway. “I thought about it overnight and decided the answer was yes. It just seemed right. Bill is a bit of a romantic. We always have a special meal for Valentine’s Day.” The Cleeve Drive bungalow ceremony will be conducted by the Rev Douglas Main, minister at Errol Parish Church, where Liz is a long-time member. The duties will be shared with Bill’s grandson, the Rev Jeremy Auld, rector at St James The Great in Dollar. The Rev Main said: “Bill is certainly my oldest groom, although I do recall a bridesmaid in her eighties. Bill and Liz are a lovely couple and we’re all looking forward to the wedding. I’m delighted to be conducting the nuptials.” While Bill passed on the traditional stag night, Liz’s hen party was held at the village bowling club. She said: “Bill has two daughters, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. I have two sons and a daughter. “We go to church in Errol every Sunday and are often at Craigie Hill, where Bill is a life member. “Best man is Derek, Bill’s son-in-law, and my bridesmaid is my good friend Ruth McKillop.” Former Blairgowrie Golf Club captain and keen Royal Perth Golfing Society member Bill, who retired as managing director of Camerons the housefurnishers 20 years ago, already has the champagne on ice – and he’s hoping St Johnstone round off a perfect day with a derby win in Dundee. The couple are McDiarmid Park regulars and Liz joked: “We had to make sure Saints were playing away from home before setting the date! “We’ve no honeymoon plans but at some point we will probably escape to a nice hotel.” By Gordon Bannerman