Match stands the test of time

By Nicole Williams
WHEN Beulah Sumner married George Lorimer in 1940 she figured she was young enough that if it didn’t work out, she could get a divorce.
But no divorce was necessary and the Pakenham couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on 14 December.
At only 17, Beulah needed permission to marry George but insists she ‘didn’t have to get married’.
As if to prove the point, their first child was born 10 months after the wedding.
The couple have three sons and two daughters (one son passed away last year), 14 grandchildren, countless great grandchildren and even great great grandchildren.
“Don’t ask me how many, I have no idea,” Beulah said.
The two met when George crashed through the window of Beulah’s work, ‘drunk as a skunk’ and then retreated to the safety of a car when Beulah came running out the door yelling.
“He persisted so I sort of had to go with him,” Beulah said.
After 70 years, their love is still strong, which Beulah credits to ‘give and take … but more take than give!’
Grand-daughter Lisa Hoyle said they had lived a very interesting and varied life – both together and apart.
Not long after their marriage, George spent about four years in the army during World War II, meaning two of their children were ‘leave babies’.
In their 70 years together, George and Beulah have travelled a lot and have seen most of Australia, except Darwin.
The two cooked ‘good old plain tucker’ for shearers for two seasons, ran the dining room of a bowling club and a kiosk on the beach in Tathra, New South Wales.
“We’ve had a very busy life and shouldn’t grizzle but we miss it,” Beulah said.
The couple have moved around during their marriage but settled in Pakenham 16 years ago and now love the community spirit of the town.
Beulah is still active, taking part in clubs and events in Pakenham and George has retired to his garden. “I just do gardening now,” he said.
George and Beulah celebrated the platinum anniversary with a casual lunch and 14 guests on 12 December.