Ted and Mavis celebrate 60 years

Ted and Mavis Turner celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on February 1, having been married at St John's Church, Maroubra on 1 February 1941.

Their anniversary celebration was held at the Quakers Inn with their proud and expanded family.

During this celebration, Ted's words of advice to all gathered were "togetherness and diamonds forever".

Ted was originally raised in Guildford and Mavis in Ingleburn.

In 1948, they purchased a home in Guildford where they raised three children, Bruce (deceased), Beverley and Terry.

Ted served his apprenticeship with the Railways Department and emerged as a qualified fitter and turner.

Mavis became a milliner making fashionable and unique hats for the rich and famous.

In 1936, Ted joined The Royal Australian Naval Rescue and was discharged in 1945.

During this period Ted, having placed his trade on hold, was mobilised in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II and served as a stoker.

He was later demobilised to complete his apprenticeship, then re-entered the navy as an ordinance artificer.

He was then promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and served on ships in many theatres of war.

One of Ted's most memorable and rewarding duties was during escort duty in the Philippines during General Macarthur's return and being aboard the only Australian ship liberating and returning the prisoners of war from Changi and Malaysia.

In 1945, Ted rejoined the NSW Government Railways working as a tradesman until 1960, when he and Mavis purchased a successful retail business in Merrylands, specialising in bicycles and toys.

In 1975, Ted joined Millard Caravans as a sales consultant and was later promoted to branch manager.

Both Ted and Mavis retired in 1980 and moved to Gunderman, near Wisemans Ferry, and then to Woy Woy, an area Ted's father had been associated with since the turn of the century.

They have both been active in numerous service and welfare associations and there are very few war widows and senior welfare recipients who have not been helped by Ted and Mavis on the Peninsula.

In addition to Ted's various service and welfare awards, he is a life member of the Naval Association, a legatee with Brisbane Waters Legacy, a justice of the peace and certainly a person who can be relied upon, having assisted countless citizens.

Ted is also involved with several sport and recreational activities and, with son Terry, he was the last person to start in the City to Surf fun run this century.

Not to be outdone, Mavis has spent many years with Meals on Wheels, has been a Rotarian and was an untiring charity fundraiser.

Last year, Ted and Mavis retired from all welfare organisations to concentrate on their immediate family. They will be sorely missed by the community.

Terry Turner, February 1