It was on a Kempsey tennis court where Pell Brorson first locked eyes on his future wife Gloria.
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It was a love-all result for the couple who have just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
“She had a few boyfriends but I managed to eliminate them all,” laughed Mr Brorson, 89.
He said his wife had been a good mate and very supportive of him all their married life.
Mrs Pell, 88, added her appreciation of her husband.
“Crickey, I wouldn’t want to lose him,” she said as they held hands during the interview with the Chronicle.
Mr Brorson was working with the Rural Bank in Sydney when he was transferred to the Kempsey branch in 1950.
Mrs Pell was also a Sydney girl but found herself in the right place at the right time when her parents bought a newsagency in Kempsey and she started working there.
Both keen competition tennis players, they eventually crossed paths.
The couple courted for some time before another bank transfer was the catalyst for Pell to propose to Gloria.
He was eventually transferred to the bank’s head office in Martin Place in Sydney where he spent the rest of his working life.
The couple lived at Pymble, Cronulla and then at Beacon Hill for 25 years before moving to Bolwarra Heights where they lived for about 10 years.
Their son Wayne has a business in Dungog which prompted them to settle in the shire, at Ironwood Retirement Village, in 2013.
After enjoying playing tennis for many years, in their retirement they have both enjoyed playing bowls.
Mrs Pell moved to Lara in August last year while Mr Pell lives at Ironwood.
The couple married at St Anne’s Church in Strathfield, Sydney, on February 5, 1954.
They celebrated with a reception The Amery in Ashfield.
The couple had two children Wayne and Robyn, with Robyn sadly passing away aged 43.
They have four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Their advice for such a long and happy marriage?
“Don’t retire on an argument,” said Mr Pell.
“If you have a disagreement make sure you make up before going to bed, don’t sleep on it.”