And it’s all gone swimmingly
Many a romance was born on the dance floor of the old Cairns Aquatic Club. Jim Parsons and Frances Parker were no exception and are now celebrating 65 years of marriage.
MANY a romance was born on the dance floor of the old Cairns Aquatic Club.
Jim Parsons and Frances Parker were no exception.
Regulars at the Aquatic in the 1950s, Frances can still recall meeting the tall, handsome young man who would eventually become her husband.
The eldest of eight children born to Fred and Ann Parsons in Atherton, Jim grew up on a dairy farm near Lake Barrine.
A builder by trade, he later built the family home in Hudson St, Whitfield, and their current home at Malanda.
Frances was the eldest of six born to Harry and Sarah Parker of Cairns, but moved to Herberton in World War II.
She went to Cairns Girls and Infants and St Mary’s Church of England School then worked at her father’s accountancy business.
Married at St John’s Church of England on February 7, 1953, the reception was held at the bride’s family home in Lake St.
With the exception of youngest daughter Judy, who loved highland dancing and ballet, children Greg, Susanne, Wayne and Mark loved sailing.
Jim built the first of the family’s sailing boats, The Pirate, before he and Frances married. He went on to build many more, travelling to Brisbane and Sydney every Christmas to sail in the Australian National Championships.
When the family moved to Townsville in 1966, where Jim worked as a building surveyor for Townsville City Council, sailing still featured in their life and Jim became the inaugural Commodore of The Cleveland Bay 16ft Skiff Club.
In 1973, Jim was appointed building surveyor at Douglas Shire Council at Mossman, later adding the role of local government town planner.
Frances worked at Jack & Newell, then as administration officer at Mossman Hospital, where she later relieved as manager. She performed in musicals and played the organ at St David’s Anglican Church. The couple, who continue to lead busy lives, celebrated 65 years of marriage over lunch at Yungaburra with many of their five children, 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.