Happy Valentine's Day: Alan and Joan celebrate 80 years of marriage
On Valentine's Day, there will be a special celebration at Bolton Clarke Baycrest Residential Home in Pialba, Hervey Bay, honouring Alan and Joan Williams and other long-married couples. Alan and Joan are marking a remarkable 80 years of marriage, a testament to a love that has stood the test of time.
For them, the secret to their lasting bond is simple.
“Our relationship was built on honesty,” said Alan, who is 101. His wife, Joan, will turn 100 on March 29. “We’ve always worked well together,” he added.
Alan, reflecting on their enduring partnership, says that being compatible and flexible has been key. “If either of us wanted to do something, we just discussed it. We’ve been very lucky. We’ve had the chance to travel and experience so much together, and here we are, 80 years later!”
The couple’s journey began in 1944 during World War II, when both were stationed at Midland Junction Workshop in Western Australia. Over the next year, they grew close, and just before Alan was due to be sent to New Guinea, he asked Joan a life-changing question.
“I thought if we didn’t marry then, we might never see each other again,” Alan said. “I asked Joan if she’d like to get married, and she said yes.”
The two tied the knot on January 20, 1945. Afterward, Joan was discharged from the Army and moved from Perth to Grafton to stay with Alan’s family while he was away. They wouldn’t reunite until 1946.
In the 1950s, Alan and Joan settled in Ballina, in New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region. There, they became pillars of the local community, founding The Ballina Players theatre group, one of Australia’s oldest amateur theatre companies.
“We staged four major productions each year,” Alan explained. “Eventually, we raised enough funds to build a brand-new brick theatre, which is still operating today.”
Their contributions were recognised in 1985 when they were named Citizens of the Year in Ballina. Joan was later awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2000 for her services to the community.
Alan and Joan fondly reflect on their time in Ballina, where they enjoyed both social and business success. “We still consider Ballina our home,” said Alan.
Now living at Bolton Clarke Baycrest Residential Care Home, the couple remains as devoted as ever. Whether sitting together, holding hands, or chatting, Alan and Joan’s love serves as a beautiful reminder that true love only grows stronger with time – even after 80 years.
