Pensioners in their 70s find love at Haddenham village warm space

Celia Fife and Nigel Lockwood found love at the hub

A village space set up as a hub after the energy crisis of 2021 sparked a different kind of warmth for two lonely pensioners.

Celia Fife, 73, and Nigel Lockwood, 71, met at the Haddenham Sports and Social Club in East Cambridgeshire and love blossomed.

They embarked on a "whirlwind romance" and moved in together after two months.

Ms Fife said she did not think she would find love again and Mr Lockwood said they were "really happy" together.

'I noticed a chap across the hall'

People came from villages far and wide to enjoy free food, drinks, activities and a chat, since the hub started in 2022.

Ms Fife, who lives in the village, lost her husband Roger to cancer in 2017 after 48 years of marriage.

"In September last year I noticed a chap on his own across the hall, and by October we were an item and had moved in together, a whirlwind romance," said Ms Fife.

"I really did not think I would find true love again. I plucked up courage to speak to him, and told him I was living on my own, he told me he was too."

The couple met at Haddenham Sports and Social Club

Mr Lockwood separated from his former wife several years ago, and thought he was destined to live out his life on his own. He even sought medical help with depression and was advised by an NHS social prescriber to visit the hub.

On meeting Ms Fife, he said: "I saw her wearing a wedding ring and thought I had better steer clear, but she told me she was single and something just clicked."

He said he would "definitely recommend" being in a new relationship, after so long.

Both Mr Lockwood and Ms Fife have large families, who they said were thrilled about the relationship.

Mr Lockwood added that marriage had not been talked about yet, and he thought he was perhaps a bit long in the tooth, but they were both "just really happy to be in each other's company".

Ms Fife added: "We both have a love of dogs and horses, we have days out and holidays, and are planning a trip to Cornwall soon.

"He has put a spring in my step, and a big smile on my face."