By BRIDGET COOK
PETER and Babara Finch say that the day they married each other was one of the best days of their lives.
But that moment was rivalled on Saturday as the Cranbourne West lovebirds celebrated 50 years of marriage by renewing their vows among family and friends.
“It doesn’t seem that too many people get to celebrate that milestone these days, so we were very proud and exciting to be able to,” Mr Finch said.
“Getting to renew our vows was fantastic – one of the highlights of our lives.
“It’s just a shame that we won’t get to do it again in another 50.”
The couple met on 22 November 1962 while aboard the SS Canberra making its maiden voyage from Australia to England.
Mr Finch said he knew his wife was the one from the moment he met her.
“Six weeks later we were engaged,” he said.
“It all happened so quickly, but I knew she was the one and obviously I was right with that.”
They got married on 8 February 1964 at St Peter’s Church of England in Box Hill – a day they described as one of the best moments of their lives.
They lived around Victoria and Queensland throughout their marriage before moving to their Cranbourne home in 2005.
The couple have had two children, Stephen, 45, and Michelle, 43, who have since blessed them with five grandchildren.
Mr Finch said they have had a great marriage.
“It’s all about giving and taking,” he said.
“We help each other, we look after each other and we love each other.”
Ms Finch said she has had many memorable moments, but their greatest legacy was their children.
“We have raised wonderful children who have since raised beautiful children of their own,” she said.
“We are very proud of the people they have become.”
