Still happily married, Shirley and Norm Threadgold, 60 years down the track. TWO well-known Nar Nar Goon residents have celebrated their diamond anniversary – 60 years of wedded bliss.
While unable to celebrate the occasion, due to illness, the two lovebirds are looking forward to toasting their happiness soon.
Shirley (nee Wanke) and Norman Threadgold married on 20 May 1950 at St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Berwick, followed by the reception at Soldiers Hall in Berwick.
They have happily raised three daughters and one son, with the added bonus of four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and always plenty of family gatherings and outings along the way.
At the age of 21, Norm had travelled down from the area where he grew up around Swan Hill to take up work on a farm in the Berwick area.
Shirley and Norm met at a dance held in Berwick district, and were married a couple of years later.
They lived in Harkaway for a couple of years, then moved to Ferntree Gully where they share farmed. Shirley and Norm joined the Scoresby tennis club and continued to enjoy the local dances.
Norm was president of the fire brigade for two years and was always ready to volunteer in any emergency.
In 1962 they bought their dairy farm at Nar Nar Goon, and shortly after transported a house to rebuild for their growing family.
Norm helped lay the main water drain along Bald Hill Road, and also played a role in the Dairy Farmers Association.
Shirley and Norm joined the Nar Nar Goon tennis club, with Norm later becoming president, and then setting out to construct a new tennis court with many long hours of toil and helping hands.
The Nar Nar Goon Primary School has a sports house named “Threadgold”, to honour the dedication that Shirley and Norm put into the tennis club.
The Methodist Church at Nar Nar Goon also played a major role in their lives, with Shirley showing a keen interest in the ladies’ guild.
With four children, they became involved with Brownies and Girl Guides, where Shirley worked on the committee to raise funds for a new Guide Hall, with many hours of home-baked goodies, and Shirley’s expert sewing and knitting skills at full force. School committees were also part of Shirley’s agenda. Football and cricket were on the rounds as well for Saturdays, in between tennis matches and milking cows.
In late 1989, they sold their much-loved farm and finally settled in Pakenham in 1990.
They are both active members of Kooweerup Bowling Club, the Uniting Church in Pakenham, the card playing nights at Nar Nar Goon as well as Probus events.
Shirley and Norm are very loving and supportive parents, grandparents and great grandparents. They have always been actively involved in the community, and enjoy a wide circle of friends.
