Note: This article has been edited since it went to print late yesterday.
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Joy and John Blachford met at Frank Floyds Hardware and Plumbing in 1955.
They have now been married for 60 years.
Mrs Blachford worked in the office at Frank Floyds Hardware and Plumbing, and Mr Blachford worked in plumbing as a licensed drainer.
“I did all of the talking,” Mr Blachford said.
After dating for three years the couple got married.
On April 19, 1958 at 3pm they married at the Methodist Church in Stawell.
The church used to be next door to Town Hall, but is no longer there.
Mr Blachford said “there’s not much to say” about their marriage.
But he did say numerous things about their lives together, including their similar interests.
Mr and Mrs Blachford enjoy dancing together and playing golf.
For a while Mr Blachford played golf in Horsham. He also played golf in tournaments.
Mrs Blachford enjoys gardening and cooking. Her specialty is chow mein.
Mr Blachford taught Mrs Blachford how to play table tennis and Mrs Blachford taught Mr Blachford how to play tennis.
They went for a nine week holiday to northern Queensland, up to Port Douglas, and then traveled down the coast back to Stawell.
They have also traveled to New Zealand.
They had two sons and a daughter.
They also have two grandsons.
“We’ve been married for 60 years, so it must’ve been alright,” Mr Blachford said.
“Marriage is about give and take,” Mrs Blachford said.
Mr Blachford said it’s also about not holding grudges and getting over it.
“Having certain similar interests goes a long way too.”
They enjoy watching television and listening to music together.
The couple’s wedding anniversary was referred to Stawell Times-News by the brass band Mr Blachford is part of.
The couple’s friend, from the brass band, Josie Joynson called their 60 years together the ‘golden wedding anniversary’.
Ms Joynson said “I think 60 years of marriage is a very big occasion”.
