LEN and Mary Bramley celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary with their four sons and wives on Sunday, 18 January.
Meeting as young teenagers in Korumburra they both worked at Korumburra Butter Factory, Mary in the cream office and Len in the store, where their love blossomed.
As Len was too shy to speak to Mary, he gave a young boy a note to give Mary asking her to go to the pictures.
The reply was a simple “Yes“ and as they say, the rest is history.
Len and Mary set up home in East Malvern where their four sons Peter, John, Ed and Geoff were born. They made a lifestyle change to dairy farm in Bayles when their youngest son was two years old.
They then then lived in Noble Park for 30 years before moving to Nar Nar Goon 24 years ago.
Mary worked as a taxation agent after completing her HSC (now VCE) at age 40.
Len was an interstate truck driver with International Harvester for 26 years after working for Golden Fleece for nine years. Mary was the first female Springvale Councilor between 1973-’75.
Voluntary service was a major part of their lives. Len spent 12 months volunteering in Adelaide River near Darwin to work during the war effort.
They shared a passion for their involvement in the Springvale Benevolent Society and Action Aide where Mary was treasurer and both were honoured as Life Members.
Mary started with Red Cross as a driver then became superintendent for 10 years.
They were active members in the Noble Park Uniting Church, Mary teaching Sunday School and was also choirmistress for many years.
When they moved to Nar Nar Goon they attended Pakenham Uniting Church until their move to Shanagolden two years ago.
Len is now 98 and Mary 93.
Mary’s secret to a long marriage is “marry young, stay together and live a long time”.
