The nine couples' years married range from 21 through to 68 years. 

The sweethearts of the group, Ronald and Beryl Rickard met when they were just 14 years old and have been married for 63 years. Originally from Sydney, the couple moved to Old Bar and then became residents of Storm Village in May 2018.

Covered from head to toe in mud was the way Keith Taylor met his soon to be wife Irene “Joan” during the 1950 floods in the Maitland area. Working on a dairy farm and being the gentleman he is Keith came to the aid of Irene’s family and that was the start of their 63 year partnership.

Valda and Harold, married for 68 years, love nothing more than the drive in to town for a coffee, while John “Duncan” and Amor Futter met in Zambia before moving to Australia also celebrating 68 years together.

Married for 57 years Edith and Hector MacAskill raised a young family while working with the missions on the Soloman Islands.

Vacey and Horace Mepham met at a dance at Newcastle’s legendary Palais Royale and married 54 years ago.

Ronald and Margaret “Ruth” Murray spent most of their 58 years together on a 2000 acre cattle property, and the babies of the group at 21 years married are Alex and Olive Ives who met at church in Harrington.  

The final couple of the happy group Ken and Pat Randall met at a local dance at Coffs Harbour Bowling Club.  Pat was living at Boambee and Ken was living at Coramba.  

The couples have all been able to remain living together in their older years, something that is not always possible with many factors in play including health, levels of care needed and general support, says Kylie Jacques, marketing manager for Anglican Care.

“These couples celebrate their love for each other every day. It is just such an honour to be a part of their lives.”