Centenarian pair going strong
World War II was yet to break out, Michael Savage was prime minister, and bread and dripping was a popular afternoon snack when Methuen Mabin met Margaret Mcintosh.
Margaret, 99, will join Methuen, 101, in centenarian status next month.
The pair met in 1937 at Silverstream, now a suburb of Lower Hutt, when their families converged at Methuen’s aunt’s house to play tennis.
Today, the couple will celebrate 75 years of marriage at the modest Christchurch home they bought in 1960.
‘‘She was a terrific woman, good at tennis, good fun and we got on well ... so there we are,’’ Methuen said, when asked what he loved about his future wife.
Their courtship was interrupted by the outbreak of war but in 1944, while back home on leave, Methuen proposed.
Margaret completed a nursing qualification before marrying Methuen, who worked in the insurance industry until retirement.
The couple had three children; Barb, 63, Keith, 71, and Judy, 74.
Life has slowed down in recent years but the Mabins enjoy good health.
‘‘We get up in the morning when we feel like it and potter out in the garden, sit in the sun and read books.’’
They are both bemused by the interest in their milestone anniversary and status as healthy centenarians.
Methuen still holds a driving licence but will not renew it when he turns 102.
‘‘I have got no need or urge ... I have driven now for nearly 80 years.’’
He is one of 35 people in New Zealand 100 or above with a driving licence, according to the NZ Transport Agency.
Another six people aged over 103 are still behind the wheel. Methuen said he would continue to pop out for short trips to the local shops to buy whisky until his birthday.
The Mabins attribute their longevity to good food and a lot of ‘‘open-air life’’, including fishing for salmon, landscape painting, golf, tennis and bowls.
‘‘My mother was a great one for healthy food, no nonsense,’’ Methuen said.
‘‘I used to come home from school and look forward to a thick slice of white bread with dripping on it. That used to be the favourite.’’
For Margaret, the age-boosting ingredient is silverbeet.
The couple continued their love of sport well into their retirement.
Methuen played tennis until he was 85 and bowls into his 90s.
Their family of three children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren are regular visitors, in person or by phone or Skype.