The couple wed on December 21 1968 at the Uniting Church in Wauchope.

Helen (nee McPhail) says they met at Rawdon Island dance hall and John asked her to dance. They got engaged a short time later.

At the same time that they were married five decades ago,  50 guests joined Helen and John to commemorate the formal event led by son and MC, Aaron.

Helen wore a soft pink gown made of chiffon and embroidered lace and John, a suit and matching pink tie and pocket square.

The tables were decorated by daughter, Rebecca, and were adorned with flowers in crystal vases, diamante trimmed mirrors and votive candle holders which later formed the guests’ thank-you gifts. 

A feature table looked exquisite at the front of the room, comprising of a watering can wishing well, wedding photos and a glamorous three-tiered cake decorated with diamantes and flowers. 

All flowers on the night were chosen to match Helen’s original wedding bouquet.

The happy couple, toasted and were surprised by sister in law Carol Potts, who sang ‘Ave Maria’ as she did at their wedding in 1968. They later took to the dance floor to ‘Could I have this dance?’

At the party, Helen took the microphone.

“I asked him: ‘Would you please dance we me for the rest of our lives?’ and some of the guests cried,” she said.

The secret to a long and happy marriage, according to Helen, is that John teases her severely, and she retaliates.

“When I go crook and ask him why, he says: ‘Because I’ve got to let you know I’m still around,’” she laughed.

The couple have lived at the forestry base at Bellangry, then built themselves a house at Koree Island Road at Beechwood, moved to Lake Innes, and then ran a dairy farm in Pappinbarra for 18 years before retiring to Timbertown in Wauchope.

Those attending all commented on what a wonderful night was had.

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