Long-time local residents Mal and Barb Castledine recently celebrated an amazing milestone, 60 years of marriage!

The devoted couple shared a love of dance and met on the dance floor, whilst square dancing together at Parramatta Town Hall.

They were married on 28th December 1962 at the Presbyterian Church at Carlingford. They now call Emu Plains home, after living in Leonay for many years. The Castledines have two daughters. “Family means absolutely everything. It’s our purpose of being on the planet and the sharing of our love,” said Mal.

Mal enjoys singing with a barbershop quartet and writing poetry, whilst Barb enjoys storytelling. Laughing with one another is a part of life. Now, Mal’s Australian sense of humour may be different to Barb’s English sense of humour, but together they connect. It just works.

The secret ingredient to a long and happy marriage is, two ingredients, according to Mal.

“The first is love. The second is respect for each other. We have a great partnership that is always equal. Our thinking is parallel, and we even speak about the same things at the same time”.

Congratulations on six decades of wedded bliss. We take our hats off to you both and thank you for sharing your wonderful story with the local community.

The month of love has returned, with Valentine’s Day taking place on Tuesday 14th February. Will you be sharing a romantic dinner, a quiet stroll by the Nepean River, or dancing the night away with one another?