Torquay marriage reaches 75-year milestone as strong as ever

THERE are not many things in the world that can remain strong for 75 years, but the love of Margaret and Cecil “Cec” Browning is one of them.

Tuesday marked the 75th anniversary of the Browning couple’s marriage dating back to 1946, and the Torquay-based duo continue to lean on one another every day as each half enters their 98th year on the planet.

The two first met at the Coburg train station in Melbourne only in passing where Mrs Browning was meant to board a departing train, while her future husband was on leave from his service in the Navy after World War Two.

Mrs Browning thought “he was a bit alright” and the pair were introduced by mutual friend and radio and television broadcaster John Williamson.

After their first meeting there was no more said until they met once again at a Coburg Football Club picnic where they both attended and their affection for one another flourished.

The pair got married, had their son Norm and their daughter Gail, and would get their first taste of Torquay with the family holidaying at the camping grounds from 1956.

The Browning family fell in love with the Surf Coast town and became permanent residents in 1964, where both “Cec” and Margaret have lived ever since.

“Mum and dad always reinforced the point of family first,” said their son Norm.

“I am sure they have balanced each other out over all of these years, and it was probably helped by my mother’s selective hearing,” added Norm jokingly.

Both continue to be avid sports fans watching football and cricket games together whenever they can on the television.

Mr Browning is a Sydney Swans fan, having been a member of the old South Melbourne guard, whereas Margaret remains a lifelong Carlton Blues fan.

Mr Browning served as club secretary of the Torquay Tigers for two years and Mrs Browning was a member of the laurel club.

Both are committed life members at the Torquay Bowls Club and have enjoyed many fun-filled rounds at the local golf course.

“They just adore each other,” daughter Gail said.

“They have always enjoyed travelling and attending local functions together, but also keeping things separate for themselves as well.”

When the pair was asked if the couple were still in love, they simply answered, “we are, that’s definitely right, there’s no doubt about that”.

They now reside in the Torquay Lions Village continuing the next chapter of their life story together.