CHILDHOOD sweethearts who reunited after 34 years apart are ‘bowled over’ to become the first couple to get married at their local club.

Ian Tannock and Wendy Calder say they are honoured to be the first couple in Gourock Bowling Club’s 150-year history to tie the knot at the picturesque venue.

Although the couple are not bowlers themselves, they say that it was their number one choice of venue.

They’ll say ‘I do’ on 5 September.

They knew one another in school but lost contact before being reunited again five years ago.

Ian said: “Wendy and I were childhood sweethearts as we dated for about a year in 1978 when we were about 15 while both attending Gourock High School.

“I can’t remember exactly what happened but we went our separate ways after we left and I never saw Wendy again.” But as fate would have it, the couple met again 34 years later — and it was love at first sight all over again.

Ian, a self employed slater/plasterer, added: “We bumped into each other five years ago.

“I was working and saw Wendy coming out of Hillend Children’s Centre, where she works. At the time I was widowed and Wendy was separated, so we exchanged numbers and became text message buddies.

“But I knew from the first time I saw her that this was the girl I would marry.

“It was instant attraction between the two of us – we are definitely soulmates.” Ian, who lives in Bath Street in Gourock, proposed to Wendy, of Wemyss Bay, in January this year.

The couple are now looking forward to their big day.

Ian said: “Because we were both married before we wanted to have a small family affair.

“I instantly thought Gourock Bowling Club was the perfect place as the backdrop there is just outstanding.

“It feels quite special to be the first couple to wed there.” On the day, Ian and Wendy will tie the knot in the club’s lounge before heading out on to the green for some photographs.

They will then enjoy a meal before taking to the dancefloor in the evening.

Club secretary Iain Love says the ceremony is a magical milestone in the club’s history.

He said: “We do a lot of other events but this is the first wedding we’ve had.

“It’s a fantastic location as the green overlooks the Clyde and the Argyll hills and we also have a brilliant lounge. We also now have another two weddings booked after this one.” After their dream day, Ian and Wendy plan to set up home together in the area they grew up.

Ian added: “We’re going to live in Golf Road where we used to hang about all those years ago. “We can’t wait.”