On the fifth day of spring in 1964, Margaret and Fraser Williams exited the Kyabram Methodist Church hand in hand for the first time as a married couple.
The couple’s September 5 wedding was recounted in an article published in the Free Press, and the clipping, kept by the Williams family, is now yellowed but is otherwise a cherished keepsake.
The details from that day are memorialised in writing, from the bouquet of gardenias that Margaret carried down the aisle, to the pink carnations and Arum lilies decorating the church walls.
That evening they escaped from the hustle and bustle of the wedding reception held at the Kyabram Masonic Hall for their honeymoon to the Blue Mountains and Sydney.
But, the news clipping was only half of the story, and the rest of the narrative that played out in the 60 years following was far more interesting.
Together, they have made significant contributions to the Kyabram community.
In fact, their first encounter is a testament to that dedication.
They were first introduced at the Kyabram branch of Young Farmers, where Fraser went on to become president and Margaret, the secretary.
It was there that a lifetime of community endeavor began, both together and separately.
Fraser, an avid musician, was president and a member of the Kyabram Music Club and entertained the community with his baritone voice and keyboard skills.
Margaret is a life member of the Kyabram AH&P Society and is still active in the Sheridan CWA and Warramunda Ladies Auxiliary.
Both have been members of the Kyabram Historical Society, with Fraser taking on the role of president for many years.
Together, they took up active roles in education and community groups focussed on children, serving as office bearers and in counselling positions across various organisations.
Their community service was recognised in 2011 when they received a joint Citizen of the Year Award, and even in retirement, still involve themselves in community groups.
Outside of their community work, they busied themselves on their dairy farm for 30 years, before retiring in 1996 to Margaret’s childhood home, which was built by her bricklayer father.
To celebrate their 60 years together, Fraser and Margaret were joined by their three children — Denise, Rodney, and Martin — and their partners at Café Three620 on Saturday, September 7.
Together, they celebrated the milestone by reading letters received from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Premier Jacinta Allan and King Charles III.
On behalf of the Free Press, congratulations to Margaret and Fraser Williams on 60 years of marriage.