Bill and Joy Symons (nee Chilman) will today – Saturday – celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house surrounded by friends and family this afternoon.
While Joy was born and bred in Broken Hill, Bill is originally from Adelaide and the couple would meet at dances at the YMCA and MWCA on Saturday nights during 1962.
On April 13, 1963, the pair tied the knot at the former Railwaytown Uniting Church on Nicholls St. Bill’s brother, Ron, and friend, Daniel, were the groomsmen, while Joy’s sister, Christine, and Bill’s sister, Judith, formed the bridal party.
Many guests travelled to attend the wedding and reception that followed at the GUOOF Hall on Blende St.
Following the wedding, Bill and Joy celebrated their marriage as husband and wife by travelling around Victoria for their honeymoon, including along the Great Ocean Road, stopping at caravan parks and motels along the way.
In the years following their marriage, Bill and Joy had two sons (Glen and Darryl), while also welcoming two grandchildren (Jason and Alycia) and three great grandchildren (Amali, Samuel, and Jacob) into the family.
Throughout their life together, Bill and Joy have shared words of advice to live by – “Be thoughtful and look after one another”.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Bill and Joy Symons on Saturday, April 15, head to 342 McCulloch St from 2pm-4pm. The couple say presents aren’t necessary.
