It all started with a dance.
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Now, more than six decades on, Jim and Elsa Harvey are looking forward to their 60th wedding anniversary on February 1.
The pair first crossed paths at a return debutante ball in Heathcote, when Mrs Harvey was 16 and Mr Harvey 18.
Before then, Mr Harvey’s sister had been telling Mrs Harvey she had a brother she would like.
“This nice little fellow came up and asked me for a dance,” Mrs Harvey said.
“That was me,” Mr Harvey said with a smile.
The two clicked, taking an instant liking to one another.
Then Mr Harvey was called into the National Service and for some six months they did not see each other.
But one day, while Mrs Harvey was in Bendigo to have an operation, Mr Harvey surprised her with a visit in the hospital.
“And then from on, we’ve been going together,” Mrs Harvey said.
Five and a half years after first meeting, Mr and Mrs Harvey were married on a hot summer’s day at Sacred Heart Cathedral by Father Jim Lehane.
They celebrated the occasion with a reception in the backyard of Mrs Harvey’s parents’ home.
“Jim’s brother was our best man and my best friend was my bridesmaid, and it was lovely,” Mrs Harvey said.
“We just had everyone there that mattered.”
The couple went on to have two children: first came Brian in 1961, and Jenny followed in 1968.
Their children now have three children and two children respectively, grandchildren of whom Mr and Mrs Harvey are proud.
Looking back at their lives, they said that – like everyone – there had been some downs, but they had seen plenty of good times together.
Their children are, naturally, highlights of their marriage.
And for Mrs Harvey, a particularly memorable event was the day when Mr Harvey came to visit her in hospital, a moment that cemented their relationship.
Mr Harvey said he had simply enjoyed their years together.
“We just try and make the best of every day,” Mrs Harvey added.
Laughing as they talk, it is obvious Mr and Mrs Harvey enjoy each other’s company; they say they have had a “pretty good relationship” in their years together.
Mrs Harvey said they was always some humour in their life and they were always able to have a laugh.
“I think we just trust each other,” Mrs Harvey said when asked what made their relationship successful.
“Jim was a truck driver all those years, he’s been overseas… and he’s always come back. I think that’s what it is. You’re not too clingy, I think you’d call it.”
“I think a little bit of free space and trust, and that’s all you need,” Mr Harvey added.