Jack and Nina Waide will celebrate their 70^th wedding anniversary on Friday, September 10 after they were married on that day back in 1951 in Ardlethan.

Pre-marriage, Nina nursed at the Ardlethan Hospital and Griffith Base Hospital (maternity).

At 21-years-old, Nina married 24-year-old farmer, Jack.

Nina moved to farm with Jack on a property called "Wynhardie", north of Barellan.

Together they farmed their dry land grain and sheep producing property for 45 years. Producing wheat, barley, lupins, lambs, wool and eight children.

The couple welcomed four girls and four boys and loved creating their life together.

Their farm house, garden and surrounds were rarely empty.

Extended families, friends, friends of friends all made welcome without hesitation.

All proudly offered the opportunity to experience rural living. Sowing, harvest, shearing, horse riding, yabbying and many other adventures.

Over their 45 years in Barellan, they valued their community very much through volunteering and fundraising at sporting, school, church events.

Great times were had during their time at Barellan with many friends and their large families.

Bonfire nights, Christmas parties and picnics at Coccaparra National Park.

There was also dancing into the night together at balls held in Ardlethan and Barellan, which were a highlight.

Both Nina and Jack enjoyed playing sport and were fierce competitors.

All eight children where shown no mercy by their parents on the tennis court at "Wyndardie".

There were also many years playing day and night comps at the now-famous Evonne Goolagong Barellan Tennis Courts.

In 1996 they sold their "Wyndardie" property and, in 1997, Nina and Jack packed up and moved to Griffith to enjoy retirement.

For many years, the "Friday night catch up with their Barellan friends" remained a priority.

In 2013 the couple moved into the Griffith Retirement Estate and they have both enjoyed connecting with old and new friends in the estate.

Whenever possible, they still enjoy a day drive to visit their local family and friends.

This includes an annual grain harvest progress check in.

Both are still inquisitive and interested to see the changes in agriculture.

The pair have 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, who are proud to call this humble and hardworking couple, "nan and pop".

When asked for those long marriage tips, they answered with a giggle ... "a lot of luck".

When asked what made them happiest 70 years on the pair agreed "having a large family that care about them".

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