Newspaper Article 1999 – Give and take helps keep sparkle

Give and take helps keep sparkle

Hastings couple Geoff and Joy Bignell have achieved a milestone by being the only ones in their family thus far to have been married for 60 years.

They retired to the Bay 20 years ago, but actually lived in Napier for six years in the 1940s.

The couple, right, have spent their married life in several cities, including Christchurch, New Plymouth where they married on December 20, 1939, and in Wanganui where they first met at a dance.

The relationship was long-distance for a while as Geoff managed his father’s farm in Taranaki.

Geoff did not have to serve in World War 2 as his truck driving for a local butcher was deemed an essential service.

Among the jobs Joy has held during the years is secretary/typist and teacher recruitment officer for the Wanganui Education Board, while Geoff has worked as a driver, in garages and for the Ministry of Works.

The couple also ran the Wanganui motor camp for several years.

They have four children, two in Hawke’s Bay and the other two in Kaikoura, 14 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren with another on the way.

They say the best recipe for success is to give and take and have a sense of humour.

December is a big month for the Bignells. Their daughter Jean celebrates her 37th wedding anniversary, and there are birthdays coming up as well.

With the family scattered throughout the country and overseas it would have been easier to postpone the major celebrations until a later date.

But, the Bignells kept it low-key on the day, celebrating quietly with a morning tea at their neighbours.

Photo caption – HB TODAY  PICTURE: DUNCAN BROWN