Emma Pritchard|
As Keith and Doreen Winkley nee Grebert, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on January 7, they lovingly reflected on the life they have created, the beautiful family they have raised and the many special memories they share together, including the moment they met at one of the many dances held at the T.J. Ford Pavilion at Grafton Showground, and when they officially became engaged.
“When I asked Doreen’s father if I could marry her, he went to her mother and told her he didn’t know what to say,” Mr Winkley recalled, adding “He said, what did I ask him for?”
Their families soon gave the couple their blessings and they married at the Christ Church Cathedral in Grafton.
After spending several days travelling around Queensland during their honeymoon, the couple returned to the Clarence Valley where they were both born and raised on local dairy farms.
After leaving his family’s property, Mr Winkley spent several years working as a truck driver in the Copmanhurst Shire.
Mrs Winkley worked at a newsagency in South Grafton for eight years and also played and later coached several local hockey teams.
The couple have three children, Joy, Margaret and Edward and four granddaughters.
Recently, they attended the wedding of their eldest granddaughter on the beach at Byron Bay where Mr Winkley enjoyed a chariot style ride, courtesy of several guests, across the sand in his wheelchair to attend the ceremony.
The couple celebrated their special day at home, surrounded by their loved ones.
When asked what they most adored about each other, Mrs Winkley said while the couple have endured ups and downs in their relationship, they have always helped and supported each other.
“We seem to be compatible,” Mrs Winkley said.
“We have a wonderful family and some of our most memorable moments were the births of our children at Runnymede Private Hospital.”
When asked if she had any words of wisdom to share with other Clarence Valley couples or newlyweds, Mrs Winkley said its important to always talk to each other during difficult times and always support one another.
In celebration of the Winkley’s 65th wedding anniversary, their children said “we would like to thank Mum and Dad for their love, support and assistance throughout our lives.
“They have been wonderful role models for hard work and good ethics with a good education being priority.
“Also, they still live in the home they purchased almost 56 years ago where they raised the three of us.”
The Winkleys also wished to thank the Clarence Valley community and everyone who sent the couple heartfelt messages via a local Facebook group for their 65th wedding anniversary.
“They were absolutely wonderful,” Mrs Winkley said.
