Celebrating 65 years of marriage

Margaret Matilda McWhirter and Peter Thomas Cluff met at a tennis match in Binnaway NSW when they were 14 and 18 years of age. Their love of tennis, local dances, sporting events and summers swimming in the local waterholes of the mighty Castlereagh River bonded them throughout their courtship.

Finally, on the 2 July 1955 the ‘sports hero’ married ‘Miss Binnaway Princess’. Their relationship has always been the number one priority in their lives.

After the birth of their first daughter Karen in 1957, they moved to Wagga where their family grew by two. Their son Ian was born in 1959 and their daughter Julie in 1962. They moved to Wagga so that Peter could manage the rural properties; “Kurrajong Park and “Hillside”, on the Oura Road. This move to Wagga was supposed to be only for a few years, but Wagga became their life-long home town.

Even in Wagga, Margie and Peter shared their love of sport, country dances and mixing with friends for card nights, where they would share a laugh, good homemade food and a drink. They have always formed friendships that are strong and long lasting. In fact, many of their friends became proxy aunts and uncles. Friends have been their number three priority. Mateship is key to a happy life.

Their lives together have been filled with many Australian and overseas holidays. These trips bought them much joy and many fond memories as they shared the experiences with their brothers and sisters.

Family is a very strong tie for both Margie and Peter, it has been their source of strength that has supported them through many of life’s ups and downs. They have been an inspiration to their families because of their love and devotion to one another, and love of their family. Their other life lesson has been, make family the priority in your life, as nothing is more important than those you love.

They are incredibly proud of their 5 grandchildren and their partners. They have 7 great grandchildren who bring them much joy, and would love to welcome more to the list.

In Oct 2019 Peter and Margie moved into Mary Potter Nursing Home. They were so fortunate to gain a well-appointed room together, which they have decorated with their precious homely touches. This has been a true blessing as it has enabled Peter and his bride, Bib and Bub, to be together at this stage in their lives.

The staff at Mary Potter are attentive and caring and have forged strong bonds with them both. Margie thrives on the craft and singalongs, and Peter, the exercise, church groups and the monthly men’s catch-up. They dine with a lovely group of people and Peter regales the choice of menu and the quality of the food. He knows quality, as Margie’s cooking was the best!

The celebrations in Mary Potter have been an absolute highlight for them both; Christmas Concert, ANZAC, Easter to name a few. Margie and Peter can socialise, and have visits from their close friends, a big part of their shared life experience.

Peter says “We now don’t have to worry about shopping, electricity bills and we know we are safe and together”.

Mary Potter was the best choice for them to enjoy their final summers. 

Happy 65th wedding anniversary to two very special and much loved people.

By: Karen Smith (daughter)