Emma Pritchard
When Waterview Heights couple Ian and Jennifer McGaw (nee Robards) first met while volunteering at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 1960, it was love at first sight.
They bonded instantly, drawn together by their mutual interests in rural show societies and agriculture.
By the time the 1961 Sydney Royal Easter Show arrived, the couple were engaged and excited to embrace the future together as husband and wife.
They married at the Anglican Church in Warren on February 10, 1962 and honeymooned in South Australia.
After spending the early years of their marriage at Tomingley in Central Western NSW where Mr McGaw was raised, the couple relocated to the rural village of Nevertire before moving to the Clarence Valley where they lived at Braunstone prior to purchasing a property at Waterview Heights.
Throughout their married life, the McGraws’ have continued to participate in local show societies, including the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the Grafton Show where Mr McGaw is the current Chief Steward of Farm Produce.
They both hold life membership of the RAS and Grafton Show Society and enjoy volunteering alongside other people who share similar interests.
Describing their relationship as strong and loving, the McGraws’ said the secret to a long and happy marriage is built on trust and compatibility and sharing things in common with each other.
They continue to volunteer at the Grafton Show each year and enjoy being involved with several organisations throughout the Clarence Valley, including Caringa Enterprises.
The couple have two children, daughter Heather who sadly passed away five years ago, son Malcolm and three grandchildren Courtney, Rebecca and Henry.
After celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary together on February 10, the McGraws’ will be joined by a close group of family and friends for a celebratory party later this month.