by Harry Low

hlow@thekmgroup.co.uk

It's a question married couples all over the country ponder every year - what to do on our anniversary?

For Kathleen and Sidney Bardoe, both 90, who were celebrating 70 years together, it wasn't a quiet night in.

Instead the couple, of Armoury Drive, Gravesend, went to a nightclub for the very first time, where they mingled with clubbers 70 years younger.

They even indulged in some face painting at the Halloween-themed night at the Casino Rooms Nightclub in Rochester.

Mrs Bardoe said: "I enjoyed it very much, but Sid found it a bit noisy. It was lovely to get out and see everybody.

"I like new experiences - I'm just that way inclined.

"We are lucky enough to have been married for 70 years so why shouldn't we be doing everything that we are capable of?

"We might be 90 but that shouldn't mean we can't do anything."

Their night out came about after granddaughter Lisa Elliott asked her grandparents if there was anything they hadn't done.

Mrs Bardoe said: "As a joke, I said 'nightclubbing'. Next thing she told us, we are going out at 9.30pm - 9.30pm is really my bed time."

The pair met in an air raid dungeon in the late 1930s and love blossomed.

Mrs Bardoe, who has had two knee operations, said: "During the war there was not a lot going on.

"You had air raid shifts to do and watches to keep.

"The lights were out and there was nowhere to go. Still, we came through."

Asked if they would go clubbing again, the former Women's Royal Naval Service (Wren) officer said: "Yes, we would go back.

"I think my husband would probably like a pair of earphones, though!"

Casino Rooms leisure manager Aaron Stone, said: "I was in awe of Sidney and Kay from the moment I first met them.

"They were bubbly and energetic and instantly welcomed the opportunity to experience something new.

"It was an honour to be able to facilitate something like that - it really made my night!

"I immediately saw them as inspirational figures, proving that there is no age limit on going out and enjoying yourself.

"I have spoken to them on the phone since and they are already talking about coming back to the Casino again.

"It goes without saying that they are welcome any time."