LOCAL couple Margaret and Geoffrey Follett are celebrating 60 years of marriage this month - and 60 years of calling Riverstone ‘home’.
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The couple celebrated their milestone at the Vineyard Hotel, where they were joined by around 50 family members and friends, including minister Bill Haywood, who married them at St Paul's Anglican Church in Riverstone 60 years ago.
The Follett’s wedding day in 1956 was especially memorable as the Hawkesbury River was in flood, resulting in Garfield Road being cut-off from Marsden Park as the waters backed-up in Eastern Creek.
“The bride - who lived in Marsden Park at the time - had to travel around via Parramatta and stay overnight in town so she was able to make her own wedding day. Meanwhile, the groom and his family were busy putting furniture on top of 44-gallon drums to save it from damage as the rising water was entering their backyard,” the Follett’s daughter, Judith Mennell, told the Gazette.
“Fortunately, the rain stopped and the weather was fine for their wedding service. The reception was held at Elizabeth Lodge in Rouse Hill, which has since been swallowed-up by housing developments.”
The Follett’s have lived in the family home in Riverstone for 54 years. Following the birth of their three daughters - Judith, Susanne and Sandra - their family was completed with the birth of their son, Robert. They now have three grandchildren - Tyrone, Clayton and Belinda.
“Under normal circumstances 60 years would be considered a wonderful achievement for any couple, however it is made even more special for [my parents] considering the long and hard journey through illness they have both endured over the years,” said Mennell.
“Thirty years ago [Mum] had a major stroke leaving her paralysed on one side and with limited speech and mobility. [Dad] has been a wonderful husband, lovingly caring for her. He left his 30-year career with the NSW Railways to become her full time career. His own health has deteriorated greatly, making it more difficult to care for her. With help from the family they still both remain in their family home.”
Recently, Margaret was admitted to Hawkesbury Hospital due to numerous illnesses. A day-pass was allowed by the hospital to allow her to attend and celebrate her and Geoffrey’s 60th anniversary.
