Quiet celebration for pair’s 50 years

RACHAEL BROWN

KIAMA couple Cynthia and Laurie Hardinge will quietly celebrate their 50th anniversary this Friday.

The two met by chance when Mrs Hardinge was returning from a holiday in the Blue Mountains.

Mr Hardinge had offered to "pick her up" when a friend had told him they had been waiting for a taxi and none were running that day.

They each were leading different lives, with Mr Hardinge living in a big family in Goulburn and working in the air force and Mrs Hardinge living with her small family in St Marys.

The couple settled in Wagga Wagga for 27 years, as Mr Hardinge stayed with the air force for 22 years and went to the Korean War.

Mrs Hardinge worked as a secretary at the army base for 10 years.

But the couple also decided to stay in the area so their handicapped son could attend a special school.

Mr and Mrs Hardinge also have another son, a daughter and a grandson.

The couple have lived in Kiama for the past 13 years, which Mr Hardinge says is "the best spot on the coast".

In their retirement, Mr Hardinge plays golf and Mrs Hardinge enjoys her craftwork. She entered a piece in the Kiama Show last year, which won her Best in Show.

Mrs Hardinge said she just could not believe how quickly the 50 years had gone.

The couple are now looking forward to a holiday in Ireland next year.