CHILDHOOD sweethearts John and Margaret Smith re-visited the community centre where love blossomed more than 70 years ago and where they later tied the knot.

The couple shared their happy memories with granddaughter Nicola McGrath outside Maryhill Community Central Halls.

The special moment was organised by Queen’s Cross Housing Association to launch a new digital archive project, part of their 40th anniversary celebrations.

John, 86 and Margaret, 85, were born and raised in the Queens Cross area.

They met in the halls in 1945, when it was a Methodist Church. John, then 15, approached Margaret, 14, who ran youth clubs in the church in her spare time, and plucked up the courage to ask her to a Scout dance.

Their first date went well and they married 10 years later in 1955 in the very hall where they met, celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary last year.

Granddaughter Nicola now volunteers as a youth worker for the housing association, continuing the family tradition.

Margaret said: “It’s been wonderful to come back. We have so many happy memories and we’re very proud of Nicola.”

Nicola said: “Last year, to celebrate my grandparents’ diamond wedding anniversary, I took them on a tour of the area where they grew up and fell in love, which they really enjoyed.

“Their stories and memories of Queens Cross are really beautiful. I know from living and working here myself it’s an area with a rich heritage and a community spirit which spans generations.”

Queen’s Cross Housing Association is looking to hear from anyone who has lived and worked in the area with a unique story to share as part of their 40th anniversary celebrations.

Shona Stephen, Chief Executive, said: “John, Margaret and Nicola’s story is just one of so many great stories from our vibrant neighbourhoods.

“Local people are the cornerstone of our organisation, so as part of our 40th birthday we want to celebrate the journeys of those who’ve helped make our communities and our organisation what it is today. “

If you have a story you’d like to submit, contact Kate Wilson on 0141 589 7442, photo@qcha.org.uk, or submit at www.qcha.org.uk/weare40, on the Queens Cross Facebook, or on Twitter using the hashtag #QCHA40.