By Shelby Brooks
Meadowvale Retirement Village resident’s Beryl and Brian Watts’ 65-year long love story is being recognised as a part of the Victorian Government’s Recognising Senior Victorians initiative, celebrating notable Victorians living in aged care.
Beryl and Brian met when they were 15 and 20 respectively, when Beryl sold Brian’s newspaper to him every morning in Traralgon.
But it was actually Beryl’s mother who said yes to Brian’s suggestion of a date.
“I used to go and buy my paper each day,” Brain said.
“Just to see me!” Beryl added.
“I wouldn’t go out with him. One day he rang up and got my mother and he said can I take Beryl for a drive and she said yes. And did I yell at her!”
The pair have been together 65 years and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary during Covid-19 last year.
Although family were unable to attend, the Watts’ were treated to a special lunch with cake and wine with the other residents.
“It was lovely,” Beryl said.
Beryl and Brian have lived at Meadowvale Pakenham for 28 years and say it was the best decision they ever made.
“We were in an independent unit to start with and absolutely enjoyed it, it was the best thing we ever did,” Beryl said.
They were both heavily involved in the village community, running the village kiosk for a while, Brian driving the bus and Beryl holding fundraisers for long-term maintenance.
“We always thought we would go into a retirement village. We had trouble with parents and always said our kids are never going to have that problem,” Brian said.
“We never ever regretted it.”
Beryl said it was her family’s peace of mind that was important.
“They can be concerned but not worried, they know we are looked after,” she said.
“The only thing I can put out into the world is that people shouldn’t sit at home and be lonely, they should move into a village.”
The pair’s love for each other is so strong.
“We love each other so much,” Brian said.
“We never ever argued or got mad at each other. You have your disagreements or differences of opinion but that doesn’t change the fact that we are very compatible.
“Carol has one lot of interests and I’m very happy to sit in my chair and read my book so we’re happy enough to do our own thing,” Brian said.
One of the couple’s daughters who lives in Officer was their carer during the pandemic and was allowed to come and see them and help with shopping.
“It was hard… it was a lonely time for a lot of people. At one stage we were confined to our units for meal times,” Brian said.
“Brian and I had each other which helps but people on their own were lonely,” Beryl said.
“After the pandemic, my eldest daughter said, Mum, I need hugs.”
Recognising Senior Victorians shines a light on the efforts of both residents and staff during the global pandemic and celebrates the contributions of older Victorians throughout their lives.
The Victorian Seniors Festival has worked with aged care facilities to interview and capture the life stories of 50 aged care residents for the community to enjoy.
“We were probably chosen because we’re cheeky enough to answer questions after the number of years we have been here,” Brian said.
Head to seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/recognising-senior-victorians to read more.
