MARCIA Penrose and Bryan Clements were married in Ararat on May 15, 1965.
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The couple met in 1962 while they were studying at Melbourne Teachers College.
Both into sport, Bryan played four seasons with Fitzroy in the VFL (now AFL) and Marcia played A-grade tennis.
When Bryan asked Marcia out, she had to quickly learn about football.
“The male teachers at my school in Melbourne started teaching me the strategies of football on the chalkboard,” Marcia says with a laugh.
Following their marriage they moved to East Loddon Consolidated School, where they enjoyed teaching and being involved in the local community. Bryan played football with Eaglehawk, coaching them for one year. He also played with Sandhurst, and was part of the Bendigo Pioneers coaching group.
Marcia was a foundation member of the Zonta Club of Bendigo for 27 years including a term as president, and was also on district council.
They taught at several Bendigo schools and also lectured in Education at La Trobe University Bendigo.
After 17 years in Bendigo, the family of five including Nicole, Matthew and Emma moved to Mandurang, where they established their St Just Vineyard.
They are very proud of their three “wonderful children” and their achievements.
Nicole and her family live in Sydney, Matthew lives in England with his family and Emma and her family live in California. All love coming home to Mandurang.
Likewise, Marcia and Bryan enjoy travelling overseas to visit them and to explore different cultures and places.
They love their five grandchildren spending time with them on their property.
“They bring us so much love, excitement and joy,” Marcia says.
“Every day is an adventure, a time to cherish, a place to share their feelings and love for us and the fun times.”
Their life at St Just is full and satisfying. Marcia spends time in her painting studio and Bryan enjoys the challenges of the vineyard. Both like to take full advantage of the arts and cultural experiences in Bendigo through Bendigo Art Gallery and the Capital and Ulumbarra theatres.
They’ll celebrate at a function later in the year when their children return from overseas.