Newspaper Article 1999 – Bicknells look to diamond date

Bicknells look to diamond date

When Jo Bicknell, Whakatu, needs a new suit he gets out the sewing machine and sets to work.

Not only does he sew his own clothes but if his wife June is busy, he will whip her up a dress as well.

Mrs Bicknell admits her husband of 50 years is a real asset around the house. He’s just as capable whisking up a three-course dinner and tending to the garden roses as he is sewing a new suit.

The couple, who celebrated their golden wedding yesterday say sharing chores and leisure pursuits has contributed to 50 years of happy marriage.

They met at a Hastings dance while in their teens.

“Jo took my twin sister to the dance but brought me home” quips June.

The Bicknell’s exchanged wedding vows at the Sacred Heart Church, Hastings, on February 26, 1949.

Mr Bicknell left school at the age of 13 and remembers selling Herald-Tribune’s in the days when each one sold for tuppence.

“We used to get a ha’penny for every one sold.”

He remembers the day of the 1931 earthquake when his father rode home from work to see if his family was okay.

“He told us that the road had risen about three or four feet and that it was rolling around like waves.”

Mr Bicknell spent most of his working life in Whakatu where he was a freezing worker and he was also a fireman for the district.

Mrs Bicknell has worked as a care-giver for both the hospital board and within the community.

The couple celebrated with a garden lunch at their Whakatu home at which family, among them their four adult children and 12 grandchildren attended.

Next, they will be looking forward to their diamond wedding.

“One of my granddaughters is hoping to become a doctor so hope she will be able to keep me alive till I’m 100,” Mr Bicknell said.

Photo caption – Jo and June Bicknell celebrated their golden wedding at their Clive home.