It was Saturday 18th January 2014 and Jane was round Sarah's house having a girly night while Kenny was with his family celebrating his dad's birthday. Ken had seen a picture on his sister Aimee's Facebook of Jane when a group of them went to the opening of a new club in Bexleyheath called Arcadia. He asked Aimee who her mate was, to which she replied Jane. Ken thought for a while (well up until the first date) that actually Jane's name was JUNE!

Aimee messaged Jane, said her brother wanted her number and was it ok to share. Jane stalked, (as she did back then on anyone new) thought Ken looked alright and agreed! Various text messages later, they had arranged to go on a date.

Their first date was at McQueens in Shoreditch the following Friday night. Ken was working at World Of Golf Sidcup at the time so came and met Jane in London after she finished work. A cab ride later from Monument to Shoreditch, strawberry and lime Koppenburgs for Ken and white wines for Jane, their first date was well and truly underway.

Laughing, chatting and generally getting on, they both knew it was going well and could have potential. However, little did Jane know that white wine was a lot stronger than Koppenburgs and Ken was very smart with his approach. Jane on the other hand, fell asleep on the train and in the taxi ride home and of course Ken couldn't leave her on her own, so was quick to offer to look after a damsel in destress!

Ken was a gentleman and looked after Jane that evening with all good intentions in mind and the following morning no hangovers occurred. Jane dropped Ken home and they arranged to see each other again.

Fast forward nine years, two beautiful girls, Lyla & Maya, an extensive house renovation that broke and brought them back together stronger than ever, Ken finally proposed!

The Proposal

Saturday 17th December 2022 was just an ordinary day at home. Jane had done the food shopping in the morning before taking Maya to baby ballet.

Aimee & Steve had treated the Haines family to a trip to Bedgebury National Pine Forest to see the Christmas lights that evening so needed to be ready to leave at 18:30. During the day Jane had been picking her nail varnish off (terrible I know!) and didn't have time to redo them before leaving. Ken, on multiple occasions during the day tried to get Jane to paint her nails, to the point he was that desperate so made up something that would entice Jane to paint her nails, but to no avail.

Jane has always said that if Ken was to ever propose, he would need to do two things; asked her dad for permission and make sure she had good nails. He managed to get one out of two correct!

Jane did start to grow suspicious though as during their nine years together, Ken has never been fussed about her nails. She thought it was odd he kept banging on about her nails so asked him when he came into the room that was he going to propose to her that evening. Ken quickly denied he was going to propose because they didn't have the money and that was that.

To set the scene for the rest of the evening; Kim & Roger were travelling to Bedgebury in Jane & Ken's car, however the back of the car had to be decanted to make room for the 'back back' seats. This took Jane over half an hour, and usually with anything Jane & Ken have to get to, they are always late. So it's no surprise, that when they arrive to pick Kim & Roger up, they were late.

Jane was very stressed, but not once did Ken start moaning they were late or start shouting. Looking back, it all made sense! They travel down, in a slight convoy with the other Haines's and arrive in time!

When Ken decided he was going to propose, he told Lyla, she was delighted, however it was risky business in case she slipped up and told Jane. On the night, Jane could see Ken and Lyla in the corner 'having words' so Jane went over to make sure everything was ok. Ken mentioned Lyla was asking for sweets from the shop (not uncommon) so Jane made a comment and walked off! Really, Lyla was asking Ken did he have the rings and now they were there, when was he going to ask mummy to marry him.

So they proceeded to walk around and look at all the pretty lights. For anyone that knows Jane, knows she loves taking photos so there were many perfect opportunities for this to happen. Aimee became designated photographer, not that she either realised or agreed to! They approached a heart shaped light installation and Jane did think, well if Ken is going to propose, this would be the spot. Nope, no proposal, so Jane well and truly forgot about the idea for the rest of the evening. They all continued round, nearing the end.

At this point, Maya had thrown her hat into a muddy puddle, Jane was swishing it around to dry it off, mud splats flying everywhere as they approached the final light tunnel. Jane noticed there was a member of staff standing to the side and the tunnel was empty. They all walk in and on que, Aimee asks Jane if she would like a photo of her and Ken. Of course Jane agreed and both Ken & Jane walk to the middle of the tunnel.

And that is when it happened.........

Accommodation & Taxis

Holiday Inn

Value Cars

A&B Taxis