Happy 70th
OAMARU’S Nancy Aimes (nee Graves) reckons the success of her marriage to husband Stan is down to a bit of give and take. ‘‘He gives and I take.’’
The couple were married on October 5, 1949, at St Peter’s Church in Riccarton, Christchurch, where most of Mrs Aimes’ family lived.
Both Mr and Mrs Graves, who celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary today, were born in Oamaru and have lived in the North Otago town their whole lives.
They met a couple of years before they tied the knot, at a social gathering where a large number of couples of a similar vintage first got to know each other, Mrs Aimes (88) said.
‘‘It was at a dance at the Scottish Hall. Stan played the saxophone in the band and he came down and asked me to dance. In those days there was a dance every Saturday night. Everyone went there,’’ Mrs Aimes said.
‘‘There were lots and lots of things to do in those days. There was two movie theatres, a roller skating ring and the dances. It was wonderful.’’
Mrs Aimes worked in the manchester department at Bulleids department store in lower Thames St and then Farmers Cooperative, where Mr Aimes (93) also worked, which was destroyed by fire in 1969.
Mr Aimes later worked in the building industry, and did so until he retired.
He built or renovated all six houses the couple have lived in.
They have two surviving children, a son and a daughter. Another son died in an accident in Australia, aged 29.
The also have six grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.
Most of the family will celebrate with Mr and Mrs Aimes at their anniversary party in Roxburgh.
When asked what the secret to seven decades of marriage was, both had different views.
‘‘I would say a lot of affection, respect and a lot of give and take. He gives and I take,’’ Mrs Aimes said with a laugh.
To Mr Aimes, it was more straightforward.
‘‘I have always just believed in getting on with life and getting things done. We have done that and we are happy.’’