My parents, Brian Ryan and Margaret Moore, married on April 9, 1941 and celebrated their fiftieth Wedding anniversary in April 1991.
Although my parents and three brothers were living in Ireland at this time, the celebration took place at my brother Christopher's home in Sunbury. The fact that the majority of the family lived on the east coast of Australia and my parents were regular visitors were the deciding factors in the choice of venue. Chris and his wife, Anne were the hosts and seemed to undertake most of the organisation, whereas the rest of the siblings, partners and children were under strict orders to keep the date free.
Thus the Irish contingent booked their flights and the USA based brother made a quick trip minus his family. Those from interstate arrived in dribs and drabs, whereas I had only to drive from Seymour. We had two trial get togethers, one at Euroa to celebrate my mother's sister Valda's 70th birthday, the other at Seymour to celebrate our eldest daughter, Kylie's 21st birthday, before the big day arrived
Being April, we were blessed with good weather and the various family members descended on the Austin Court home for lunch. The food was a side event as this was the first time all the family had been together in years and sadly, it was the last time it happened. Can you imagine the noise as siblings, their children ranging in age from babes in arms to young adults and the guests of honour exchanged news. There was the usual game of backyard cricket and kick to kick.
Eventually we all gathered for the cutting of the cake and photo session - quite a performance with so many persons involved. Overall, it was a lovely day enjoyed by all present. Looking back now, it remains a very special day.
Although my parents and three brothers were living in Ireland at this time, the celebration took place at my brother Christopher's home in Sunbury. The fact that the majority of the family lived on the east coast of Australia and my parents were regular visitors were the deciding factors in the choice of venue. Chris and his wife, Anne were the hosts and seemed to undertake most of the organisation, whereas the rest of the siblings, partners and children were under strict orders to keep the date free.
Thus the Irish contingent booked their flights and the USA based brother made a quick trip minus his family. Those from interstate arrived in dribs and drabs, whereas I had only to drive from Seymour. We had two trial get togethers, one at Euroa to celebrate my mother's sister Valda's 70th birthday, the other at Seymour to celebrate our eldest daughter, Kylie's 21st birthday, before the big day arrived
Being April, we were blessed with good weather and the various family members descended on the Austin Court home for lunch. The food was a side event as this was the first time all the family had been together in years and sadly, it was the last time it happened. Can you imagine the noise as siblings, their children ranging in age from babes in arms to young adults and the guests of honour exchanged news. There was the usual game of backyard cricket and kick to kick.
Eventually we all gathered for the cutting of the cake and photo session - quite a performance with so many persons involved. Overall, it was a lovely day enjoyed by all present. Looking back now, it remains a very special day.
It's a good thing we can’t foretell the future, as we were unaware it was to be the final gathering of the clan we were to experience.
Marg McCrohan
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