Triumph and tragedy
In a life brimming with adventure, Jim and Fay Sewell have known both triumph and tragedy. The Feilding couple, who celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary today, have had a grand journey, but it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Drawn to the outdoors at an early age, their first son, David, died in a climbing accident on Mt Ruapehu, aged 32. The pair were also forced apart for extended periods, with Jim posted all over the world as an airman in the air force. Through it all, the two 93-yearolds have stuck together. An achievement reached because they’ve always got along, Jim said. ‘‘Every couple argues. In 70 years together, only one year has probably been spent disagreeing. The other 69 years have been filled with great times.’’ Fay was boarding with an officer in the air force who returned home with his mates during weekends, several of whom were married. With a bit of prompting, he introduced Fay and Jim in 1943. ‘‘I said: ‘Why are you bringing all these married guys home? That’s no good to me’. So he put his head together and brought [Jim] home for me.’’ As an airman, Jim was in charge of the quarter guard during Queen Elizabeth’s visit to New Zealand in February 1963. At the end of a ceremony in Blenheim, he was tasked with escorting Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to his car. As he opened the door it dawned on him he hadn’t organised a ride back into town, 7 kilometres from the ceremony. Without hesitation, he asked the prince: ‘‘Do you mind if I get a ride into Blenheim with you?’’ ‘‘I meant in one of his police escort cars, but he said ‘get in’. I got in what was meant to be his side and he had to walk around the other side. ‘‘The whole time I didn’t say a word. We just sat there.’’ As he got out, Fay was opening the door for the Queen. Their first date was a bike ride down the O¯ roua River, near Johnston Park, Feilding, which is also the moment Jim realised he was in love. ‘‘That was when it all clicked. I was 18 ... she was my first girlfriend, my first love.’’