When former air force members Ray and Joyce Quail marked their 70th wedding anniversary this month, it was a happy occasion attended by family and friends from across the country.
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But it is a milestone that may never have eventuated if not for a chance meeting in a Geelong cafe during the Second World War.
Mrs Quail and her girlfriends were on a spontaneous getaway in the south Victorian city when they found all its hotel rooms full.
It left them no choice but to accept an offer of accommodation from a woman they met in a coffee shop.
The woman also had a nephew, an air force member stationed in Darwin with whom she asked Mrs Quail to correspond.
Mr Quail was working as a telegraphist when their pen friendship began.
Although they met for a movie date while Mr Quail was on leave, his future wife nearly ended the budding romance before it had time to grow.
“I wasn’t a bit impressed with him – I thought he was really full of himself,” Mrs Quail said, explaining how she cancelled their plans for the following night.
But Mr Quail persevered and the pair were married 18 months later.
They have since welcomed four children – and a brood of grandchildren and great grandchildren – into the world.
Now aged 92 and 91, the husband and wife reside at Elm Aged Care in Flora Hill, where Mr Quail laid the Anzac Day wreath.
The day of remembrance was always important to the couple, both of whom lost relatives in the First World War battles in France.
Subsequent Aprils were spent watching survivors march in memory of the conflict.
It is also the birthday of their daughter, Gloria.
Asked about their memories of time spent in the air force, Mr Quail recalled working alongside a Dutch squadron in Darwin.
“They had two planes come in weekly from Brisbane with fresh food, and we got the benefit of it,” Mr Quail said.
His time in the northern Australian city came after the worst of Japanese bombing relented.
Mrs Quail’s RAAF duties included sorting equipment.
When quizzed on the secret to a long and happy marriage, Mr Quail said: “Compromise is a big thing.
“Certainly you have your tiffs, but the next morning, it’s all over.”
Mrs Quail agreed.
“You have to consider your partner, too.”
The pair proudly showed off congratulatory notes received from the prime minister, governor-general and Queen Elizabeth II, the latter of whom celebrates their 70th wedding anniversary this year.