Blackmans Bay couple Barrie and Luise Townsend are celebrating 65 years of marriage on Thursday, November 7 with a special lunch at Crowne Plaza.
The pair first met at a youth camp in Camp Clayton, Ulverstone where they were instantly smitten with each other.
“I was a farmer near Burnie and she was an office girl in Launceston,” Barrie said of their first encounter.
Two years after they met Barrie proposed, and Barrie and Luise were married in Launceston on November 7, 1959.
The Townsends moved to Blackmans Bay 38 years ago when Barrie’s position with Coca Cola was transferred to Hobart.
Today Barrie and Luise are active members of their Kingborough community, with Barrie having joined North West Bay Golf Club when they first moved to Blackmans Bay, Luise a keen Scrabble player in a local club and both getting involved in local church activities.
Barrie and Luise have two children: a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Jane, and a total of six grandchildren who are scattered across the globe in London, New York, Geelong, Launceston and Burnie.
Whilst their family might be far apart, Barrie and Luise have a tightknit community of friends closer to home, including Denise Bell, who described the Townsends as a “wonderful, wonderful couple.”
“They’re very supportive and friendly,” Denise said.
“Absolutely amazing people.”
When asked the secret to such a long-lasting marriage, Barrie explained commitment to each other was the answer.
“In my generation a lifetime together is expected,” Barrie said.
Barrie and Luise’s 65th anniversary has also been recognised with letters of congratulation from His Majesty King Charles III and the Governor-General of Australia Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC.
