Persistence paid off: 60 years together

Meeting for the first time at an end of year concert for their church youth group, Ron and Jeanette Schofield were cast as the bride and groom, respectively, for a mock wedding.

Ron, chosen for being the tallest, was transformed in to a dashing bride, while Jeanette, being the smallest made a handsome groom, leaving the audience in hysterics.

When Ron first called Jeanette at home, he was turned away after Jeanette didn't want to see him. Asked why, Jeanette said that Ron was "too tall". 

Ron on the other hand, had Jeanette's mother to thank for convincing her daughter to give Ron a chance.

"Thank goodness for her mother, because she [Jeanette] didn't want to talk to me," he said. 

But thankfully fate had other plans for Ron and Jeanette, who went on to marry each other in a very real ceremony on February 28 1959. 

The couple have gone on to have two sons and are blessed with one grandson. 

The secret to their wedded bliss is to "always do things together". 

Throughout their marriage, Ron and Jeanette have always endeavored to do things together.  They've worked closely with World Vision, raising money for children around the world as well as raising money for the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation in Ethiopia. 

Their work with charity groups led them to be honoured with the Southern Highlands Foundation Award for Philanthropy which was presented by the NSW Governor at the time, Marie Bashir. 

Now in their earlier 80's, Ron and Jeanette still make time to raise money for world vision and the fistula hospital. Over the last year alone, Jeanette has raised $5000 dollars by selling homemade jam in various locations. 

Now celebrating their diamond anniversary, the couple are looking forward to their special trip to New Zealand later in the year. ​