Ron and Irene recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends at a surprise party held at Garden Village. Their life together began in 1954 when they tied the knot at the Carlton Church of England. Irene was 19 years old and Ron 21.
The couple met at a milk bar in South Hurstville, where they were introduced by a friend called Codger. They honeymooned in a cottage at The Entrance on the Central Coast arriving in a Ford Ute that belonged to Ron’s father.
When asked about the secret to their long-lasting marriage, Ron shared, “You’ve got to give and take; things don’t always go your way, but you have to listen to the other side and never go astray. Other than that, treat your wife like your best mate.”
Irene shared the importance of spending time together and communicating openly: “Doing things together. Loving each other. Talking about things before they explode.”
Ron and Irene lived for their four children and now have five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
They spent weekends at the beach with their kids and Ron reminisced about mud crabbing for blue swimmers at the Eyre Peninsula and traveling across Australia in the 1980s when fuel across the Nullarbor was $1 per litre.
Having lived at Garden Village for nine months Ron and Irene feel right at home. They enjoy participating in bingo with Ron’s brother Bob who lives in the Classics and word search games.
“Garden Village is great; I’m really glad we did it. The people are wonderful, and the meals are really good,” said Ron.
“We’ve had a wonderful life,” Ron said. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
During the anniversary celebration, Ron entertained guests with a rendition of “We Were Too Young.” Guest enjoyed a delicious cake made with love by the Garden Village Catering Team. Ron and Irene are celebrating their first Christmas at Garden Village.
