Screen dream

What began as a horror show became a welcome surprise for Louise when she visited the Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT) with her partner Derek. The theatre had been a frequent backdrop to many memorable dates, made sweeter as they watched the historic building being refurbished over a number of years thanks to a grant from HLF.

With the help of a couple of friends and the GFT, Derek created a special horror film trailer to be played before the main screening. It featured a shadowy figure walking through a dark forest accompanied by menacing statements of:  “After five and a half years…”, “They said it would never happen…” and then: “But all that was set to change…”.

Derek then got down on one knee in front of the entire audience and asked Louise to marry him.

“Louise had no idea I would be proposing,” Derek recalled. “Her response was to ask what was going on.” After repeating the question he got the reply he was looking for and the pair have now been married for nearly two years.

He added: “Louise and I are proud of the GFT’s place in our history and we are delighted to see it continuing to thrive thanks to the investment of HLF and others.”

Park proposal

Our second story comes from London where a sudden change of plans meant the intended proposal almost didn't happen.

[quote=Lise, proposed to in Walpole Park]"He went down on one knee on one of the wooden bridges across the stream ... I was so surprised and incredibly happy."[/quote]

Unaware of her boyfriend’s intentions to propose to her in Brighton, Lise suggested visiting somewhere closer to home. They went for a walk in Ealing’s Walpole Park, which has recently been transformed thanks to National Lottery players’ money.

Lise said: “It was October and a bit cold and windy and I wasn’t suspecting anything. He went down on one knee on one of the wooden bridges that go across the stream that cuts through the park.

"I was so surprised and amazed and incredibly happy. We still often walk through the park, and it will always be a special place.”

Ten most romantic places to propose (and see some heritage)

If you’ve been inspired by our stories, take a look at this list of top 10 National Lottery-funded places to pop the question.

Do you have a proposal story in a heritage setting? Get in touch with us on Twitter with the hashtag #LoveHeritage.