A LOVE story that began in country New South Wales more than seven decades ago will be celebrated in Nambucca Heads this Friday when Barry and Beryl White mark their 70th wedding anniversary.
The much-loved local couple, who now call Nambucca Heads home, will celebrate the milestone on Friday 13 March.
Originally from Parkes in central NSW, the couple’s story began with what Beryl still describes as love at first sight.
Beryl was known locally as a champion swimmer, while Barry worked in the local cinema and came from a well-known family in town as his parents owned the local pub.
Music and community events often brought young people together in those days.
Barry played drums in the marching girls’ band, while Beryl herself was a marching girl.
When they first met, Beryl remembers thinking Barry was “the best looking man she had ever seen”.
The connection was instant and the pair soon declared their love, marrying in a small wedding at their local church in Parkes.
The couple later moved to Western Sydney, where they raised their six children while building a life together based on hard work and family values.
Barry worked in the transport industry, often driving long distances, while Beryl worked in local factories.
Despite the demands of work and raising a large family, the couple rarely spent time apart.
In fact, the longest they were ever separated was one week, when Barry was away driving interstate.
Family has always been at the centre of their lives.
Over the years their family has grown to include 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
In between work and raising children, the Whites also enjoyed travelling around Australia together in a caravan, creating memories that remain part of the family’s treasured stories.
Eventually Barry and Beryl chose to retire in Nambucca Heads, where they continue to enjoy life together.
Even after 70 years of marriage, the affection between them remains clear for anyone who sees them together.
Barry still looks at Beryl with a twinkle in his eye, while Beryl continues to dote on him.
The couple are often seen holding hands and checking on each other, with Barry recently telling his wife she was “more beautiful than the flower in their garden”.
When asked about the secret to such a long and happy marriage, Beryl says the answer is simple.
“He’s just so kind and nice to me. We’ve always been so nice to each other,” she said.
Barry agrees, saying kindness and always looking after one another has been the key.
The couple say they still tell each other “I love you” every day.
And while kindness and love have clearly played the biggest role, Barry jokes there may be another small secret to a long marriage.
“Sometimes a cold beer and the hearing aids switched off can help,” he said.
By Mick BIRTLES
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