By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
HEATHER McDougall doesn’t know where the time’s gone.
Last Thursday the 81-year-old celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary with beloved husband, Alex, at home in Narre Warren. And a special family party is scheduled for later this month.
“It’s been a calm 60 years,” Heather said.
“It’s gone too quick.”
Heather and Alex, both the same age and from the country, met when they were 17. While working at the Post Master General’s office a colleague suggested to Alex that he take a friend of hers to the post office dance.
The following Friday Alex accompanied the friend, Heather, to the dance.
Heather recalls the dance like it was yesterday, and still remembers what her future husband was wearing.
“The story goes that night he was wearing a blue tie with a Scotsman on it and he tells everyone that I fell in love with his tie, because my family are originally from Scotland,” Heather said.
“It was a blue satin tie with a Scotsman, and he still won’t part with it.”
Alex said he and Heather soon started dating, going out to dances and shows before getting married in their early 20s.
“Eventually we moved to Rubicon near Eildon and I worked as a linesman for the SEC (State Electricity Commission). We moved up there and lived with Heather’s parents,” he said.
“We were married at 21 and then got a job on top of the mountains and we were living in a house on top of the hill, 1700 feet above our nearest neighbour – the only access was by cable car.”
It was while the newlyweds were living atop this mountain that Heather gave birth to their first of four sons, Ross. Having previously been told she couldn’t give birth, Ross’ arrival gave the pair much to celebrate.
“Ross was complaining he didn’t have anyone to play with so we adopted a baby boy, and we had twin boys after that,” Alex said.
Seven years later, more children followed.
The McDougall’s adopted their second son Bruce, and then had twins Phillip and Glen shortly after. Heather and Alex now also have four “beautiful” daughter-in-laws, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
“When you get married at such a young age, like we did, we had no money,” Heather said.
“My parents helped us out a lot, we were happy and I think we were very lucky.
“We don’t fight very often.
“He does as he’s told.”
