Blue sapphire anniversary for local couple

HEATHCOTE residents, Maree and Mick Hingston, celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary this week.

The popular couple moved to Heathcote in 2004 and have been involved with many local groups and activities.

“We first met at our local church youth group when we were 16,” said Ms Hingston.

“We discovered that we were both born at the Royal Women’s Hospital in the same month and year, just two days apart.”

The couple were married in 1960 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Thornbury.

“By 1965 we moved into our first home and by 1968 had five children under the age of seven,” said Ms Hingston.

“They were busy years for both of us.

“Mick was working three jobs, and I had my hands full with my young brood.

“We lived in Lalor and Mick played football with the local team.

“As one by one the children started school, I also found time to play netball, a game I loved.

“Through the years, we have discovered that marriage is not always easy, it is often difficult, but a sense of humour usually got us through the rough patches.”

The Hingston family later moved to Eltham where they lived happily for 26 years, until they moved to Heathcote in 2004.

“We found it to be a wonderful experience living in a small country town surrounded by the bush and the wildlife and, of course, making new friends,” said Ms Hingston.

“We are both members at Heathcote R.S.L. and I am a member of the community house and the U3A singing group.

“Since 2005, I have been running the Mudbrick Motley Theatre, producing and acting in many productions which has been very fulfilling.

“Our family has expanded now to 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, with the latest arriving earlier this month.”

Mr and Mrs Hingston are planning a celebration with most of their family this weekend.