Newspaper Article 1999 – Couple keep magic alive

Couple keep magic alive

MICHELLE BROOKER

Selwyn and Nita Baker are still captivated by each other after 60 years of marriage.

The Flaxmere couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary today with 100 friends and family at the Havelock North Community Centre.

Mr Baker said the marriage had been “a most marvellous experience”.

“We are just captivated by each other” he said. “A marriage cannot fall apart as long as the captivation lasts.”

The couple, who are both 85, met in bible class at the Hastings Baptist Church when they were 18. They were engaged for five years because they could not afford to get married because of the depression.

We didn’t have much money coming through the depression, but we have had a wonderful life” Mrs Baker said.

Unlike many couples during the war, Mr and Mrs Baker were not separated because Mr Baker did radar service in New Zealand.

Mr Baker worked for the Government Audit Office so the couple and their three children spent time living in the Pacific Islands, Wellington and Masterton.

The [They] said the biggest highlight of their marriage was having children. The couple also have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mr Baker said the biggest thing that stood out in his mind was the faithfulness of his wife.

“Our home was like the rock of Gibraltar, she was always there to meet the children when they came home from school” Mr Baker said.

Photo caption – SELWYN and Nita Baker.

HB TODAY PICTURE: DUNCAN BROWN