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News
Wednesday February 13, 2013
Love not just for Valentine’s day Sarah Kleven
General Manager, JOE VESCIO
Snowy River Shire celebrated Australia Day with its Woolworths Ambassador, Rick Timperi, former Olympic boxer and team captain. Rick shared stories of his time training as a boxer as well as during the Olympics and how proud he was to represent his country. He spoke of his determination after being advised by the Australian Institute of Sport that he was the incorrect height for his weight division, then went on to represent Australia at two different Olympics. His message to those listening was to follow their dreams and not give up, as whilst you might not always win, you won’t be sorry for trying. Rick’s father was one of the early workers for the Snowy Hydro Scheme so Rick was able to tour around the Snowy Mountains to see and photograph one of the bridges his father helped build all those years ago. I would like to personally congratulate the Australia Day award recipients who were presented their awards in Jindabyne. Citizen of the Year – Dr Geoffrey Cocker Young Citizen of the Year – Owen Pearson Community Event of the Year – Jindy Idol As usual, a big thanks to all the community organisers who contribute to our celebrations. The Lions Club in Jindabyne, Bill Fogarty, The Adaminaby RSL Branch, the Adaminaby Public School P&C Committee and the Adaminaby Hall Committee. Berridale held a small flag raising and sausage sizzle in Lions Park early on Australia Day while Dalgety held its usual BBQ in the evening together with a thong throwing competition which was enjoyed by all.
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In an age where very few marriages can withstand the test of time, three couples from Yallambee Lodge Cooma are living proof that true love does exist on Valentines Day. Molly and Clyde Blencowe’s relationship has not only withstood the test of 66 years but also the Second World War, where Clyde spent four years overseas fighting in the army, and two and a half in a Prisoner of War Camp. “We were told that there were no girls left in Australia because the ‘Yanks’ had taken them all,” Mr Blencowe said. Mr Blencowe was soon proved wrong, arriving off the boat, hearing his name called behind him and seeing his family and Molly trailing behind them. He recalled the moment they first met at a dance in Tumbarumba where they spent the night at the dance together and then Clyde walked her home. But nothing came of their romance until Clyde returned from the war and they were married in Tumbarumba in October 1946. Molly and Clyde Blencowe have two sons, Chris and Kerry, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. When asked how many years they had been married Mr Blencowe replied, “Too long!” but it was easy to see that 66 years still isn’t long enough for this couple. When asked if they would still consider themselves ‘in love’ Mrs Blencowe replied “passionately.” “I consider us very lucky, our love is still growing. He’s the only man I’ve ever loved in my whole life,” said Molly. Mr Blencowe’s advice for other couples was simply to “stay true blue to yourself and your partner.” Bill and Joyce Kershaw, married 59 years, say that they’ve never celebrated Valentine’s Day but are clearly still romantic. Although Mr Kershaw enjoys
the company of ladies and was delighted to be “surrounded by women” in the interview, it’s obvious that there’s definitely only one lady for him. “He’s never bought me flowers, but he’s bought me a few drinks of Scotch Whisky,” Mrs Kershaw said. The couple don’t have plans for Valentine’s Day other than to enjoy each other’s company as they would every day. “I might buy her a bottle of Sherry, it’s cheaper than Scotch Whisky,” Mr Kershaw joked. Mr and Mrs Kershaw met at a local dance and in the early days of the relationship Mr Kershaw said he had to “hitchhike” out to Jerangle to see Joyce at her home. When asked if they are still just as in love as when they were married, Clyde replied “I make out that I am,” Joyce laughed, “He’s not a bad old bloke.” Pat and Denis Minehan overcame all obstacles to be together and haven’t let each other go since that day 61 years ago. Pat recalled seeing Denis for the first time when he came to pick up his mail from her father’s post business. “I saw him and that was it, I fell in love with him straight away…and I chased him mercilessly,” Mrs Minehan said. For their first date Denis took Pat to Bowral Café and bought her tea and cigarettes but they went for many other dates to the cinemas in Sydney as well. Married in 1952 at Mossvale Catholic Church and still in love, this couple is a perfect example of marriage. “He’s never been an overly romantic person. He barely says
Bill and Joyce Kershaw – married for 59 years.
Molly and Clyde Blencowe – married for 66 years.
Pat and Denis Minehan – married for 61 years. ‘I love you’ but he shows it in many other ways,” said Pat. Mrs Minehan believes that there is no true secret to being in a relationship for so long; her advice is simply to: “Just go with the flow. You have to be tolerant of one another and basically I’ve loved him for 61 years.” All three of the couples admitted that the idea of love held by society and how it’s displayed has changed significantly over the years. Similarly the idea of Valentines Day has also changed. Mr
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Blencowe believes that Valentine’s Day has encouraged love to become commercialised and used for publicity rather than used to celebrate love in its true form. But despite this, giving your partner some chocolates, flowers or simply letting them know you love them on Valentine’s Day won’t hurt a bit. Or you could even take a hint from Mr Kershaw’s book and try to win your partner over with a glass of scotch.