Couple’s golden light

By Lia Bichel
A GOLDEN couple celebrated a golden anniversary with friends and family on the weekend.
Doveton residents Veronica and Jim Hill celebrated 50 years of marriage and renewed their vows in a surprise ceremony on Saturday.
Mr Hill organised the renewal ceremony for his wife and invited members of the bridal party from their original wedding.
Mrs Hill said she was overwhelmed by her husband’s romantic gesture.
“It was such a big surprise,” she said.
“I couldn’t believe it.He normally doesn’t keep secrets, but he got away with this one.”
Mr Hill said he was on “cloud nine” after celebrating the special day.
“I know it’s a cliché, but I have a special lady in my life,” he said.
“We have had our ups and downs, everybody does. I tell people we don’t fight, we just have vicious debates! But when we have disagreements we always resolve them.”
Mrs Hill said marriage could sometimes be a lot of work, but was well worth it.
“I have always referred to our marriage as being similar to the weather – it can be good one day and stormy the next, but we have tolerance and patience and we work things out together,” she said.
“(Jim’s) a life-long friend.”
The happy couple said they were pleased to celebrate the milestone event with close friends and, most importantly, their family.
“We are most proud of having four lovely kids, grandkids and great grandkids,” Mr Hill said.
Mrs Hill agreed.
“Family is the most important thing in our life,” she said.
The couple have four children – Stephen, Carolyn, David and Joanne; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Their youngest daughter Joanne Hann said she admired her parents for their contribution to each other, their family and to the community.
“They are such wonderful people and have always been there for all their children and grandchildren. They help anyone at any time and they never judge. Their marriage is very strong and loving. It’s beautiful.”