When Lawrence Bowden 'gatecrashed' an evening dinner little did he realise he would be sharing the supper table with his future wife.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On September 1, 94-year-old Laurie and Muriel Bowden will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.
Eighty-nine-year-old Muriel was just 16 years old when her local dairy farmer dad invited Laurie and his mate to dinner following a day at Stroud show.
"I wasn't really invited, I just tagged along for a feed," Laurie also known as Oscar, said.
"And, then I spied this lovely lass; I thought she looked alright," he said.
While the couple both attended the local primary school, the five year age gap meant they never met up in the school grounds.
A three year courtship followed before Laurie plucked up enough courage to ask permission to marry the then 19-year-old Muriel Bowen.
We've had our ups and downs like everyone else, our sad and happy times.
- Laurie Bowden
"I was reasonably nervous," Laurie said.
Laurie's anxiety was put to rest with the Bowen family giving the young couple their blessing, and on the first day of spring in 1951 they tied the knot at Stroud Baptist Church. A reception at the one-time Stroud RSL Hall.
A train trip to the country's capital and a two week honeymoon exploring the sights of Canberra followed the wedding before the couple settled into their Stroud home and raising a family, Kerry, Garry and Gaye, who were all born at Gloucester hospital.
For many years Laurie worked as a driver for Coleman's Transport, before driving for a Raymond Terrace based company, while Muriel worked as a clerk at the general store before teaching sewing at Stroud school.
A career change came with a move to Forster in 1980 after Laurie was appointed Great Lakes Council fire control officer, ordinance and by-laws inspector and ranger. Muriel worked at Forster Private Hospital.
"It was a 24-hour job, but I enjoyed it because of the people and their attitude to life," Laurie said.
The planned 70th celebration has been postponed until the new year when the couple will get together with family and friends for a double celebration; Muriel turns 90 in January.
Despite 70 years of 'wedded bliss' the couple has faced some challenges and heartache along with good fortune and bliss.
"We've had our ups and downs like everyone else, our sad and happy times," Laurie said.
"But, I wouldn't change a thing."
While COVID-19 has clipped their travel wings, they have enjoyed their bus trips and travels throughout the country, NSW, Tasmania and New Zealand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome has forced Muriel to put aside her knitting needles and sewing swapping her much loved past-times with beadwork, while Laurie enjoys jigsaws and testing his still active mind with crossword puzzles.
The couple, who continue to live independently in Forster, maintain they have no secret to either their long, happy marriage or their longevity.
"We're just happy." Muriel said.
Did you know? Great Lakes Advocate online subscribers not only have 24/7 access to local and national news, sport, what's on and entertainment - they also have access to our print editions in digital format, with all the advertisements and classifieds at their fingertips.
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
