By BRIDGET COOK
SINCE meeting at the Bentley train station in 1948, Ron and Nita Chapman’s relationship has been full steam ahead.
And the Cranbourne North couple proved that they have been on the right track as they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday 22 May.
The lovebirds met on Saturday 10 January 1948 when Mr Chapman accompanied his friend to the station as he was planning to meet up with Nita’s cousin.
It is a decision he is very happy he made after he managed to secure himself a date with Nita to the movies that night.
“It all just developed from there and we continued to see each other,” Mr Chapman said.
The couple married on 22 May 1954 at the Pioneers Presbyterian Church, Cheltenham.
They moved into their first home together where they remained for the next 47 years before moving to Cranbourne North 13 years ago.
They had eight children together – Graeme, Lynette, Cheryl, Leanne, Debra, Dean, Andrea and Sharyn – and now also have 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Both Ron and Nita said there were a number of key elements to their happy marriage but family was the major one.
“Compatibility and working together is a big factor in a successful marriage,” Mr Chapman said.
“But family has brought so much joy to our life.
“Put it this way, you don’t have to have a million dollars in the bank to be a millionaire.
“Our whole life together has been a highlight and we’ve enjoyed life as it’s gone along with our family.”
Mrs Chapman said she felt the same.
“Family is everything,” she said.
“We’ve had our highs and lows throughout the years, but so does everybody.
“With so many of us, we’ve just enjoyed life as it has gone along.”
Both Mr and Mrs Chapman have had their fair share of health troubles over the years and said being able to celebrate 60 years together was very special.
“It’s just marvellous to make this occasion and get that far,” Mrs Chapman said.
“Not many people are lucky enough to celebrate it.
“When I went in for an operation last week, as they always say, they told me there’s always a risk that I might not make it through it.
“I just said that I’ve got to make it to the 22 May!”
Their daughter Debra said her parents had been an inspiration to them all.
“We all strive to be like them,” she said.
“It’s amazing that we are able to celebrate the occasion with them.
“The last couple of years they’ve both had their health issues so we value every day we have with them.”
