When Judy and Neville Moxey first met there were some 80 dairy farms operating in Williamtown, the suburb's now dilapidated school and church along Nelson Bay Road were thriving and the hall always had a dance on.
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Neville, whose family has been farming in Williamtown since 1874, was 14 and Judy, who had lived in Newcastle but frequently visited her older sister living in the area, was 12 years old when they first met.
"My sister married a farmer from Salt Ash. They moved to a farm in Williamtown a few doors down from Neville's. I used to come up on a weekend and we just met," Mrs Moxey said.
"We started dating when I was about 15. We used to go to dances at Williamtown Hall. There was always a dance on. I used to go with my sister and brother-in-law and Neville would go with his mum and dad, aunt and uncle."
The couple dated until Mrs Moxey began studying for her school leavers certificate. She said they "drifted a bit" until the end of her first year of teacher's college. When they had the chance to meet up again, they did.
It was a week after her 21st birthday that the couple were engaged.
"He did say to me once a long time ago 'will you marry me one day?' I did say yes then," Mrs Moxey said, which drew a laugh from her husband. "And I'm still with her," he said good-naturedly.
Mrs Moxey continued: "He didn't say 'will you marry me?' He said 'will you let me buy you an engagement ring?' That was the question. I said yes."
After a year-long engagement, the Moxeys were married in Hamilton Wesley Uniting Church on February 4, 1961.
While friendship proved to be a strong foundation for their relationship, it is family that is at the heart of it. The couple have four daughters, all of whom live close by, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
"Family is the most important thing. We have a lot of family functions for celebrations. Christmas is the greatest. They all come here for the day," Mrs Moxey said.
To celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, the still Williamtown-based Moxeys and family enjoyed a weekend away together in Crescent Head.
While raising their children, the Moxeys continued farming in Williamtown. The four Moxey children attended Williamtown Public School and dances at the hall until they faded away. When the industry shifted, making it hard for small dairies to operate, Mr Moxey began cattle farming. Semi-retired, Mr Moxey tends to a small herd and garden.
The Moxeys are still involved in raising money for the Red Cross, which they have done for 56 years.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
