In a day and age when commitment seems to be difficult for many to maintain, lifelong sweethearts Helen and Archie Sweeting are a rarity.
The Peppermint Grove Beach couple recently celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary, and are still as in love as the day they met.
The pair married in Bunbury in 1952 and their partnership has seen them travel all over the state from Eagle Bay, where they spent 24 years, to Southern Cross.
Helen was just 16 when she met 21-year-old Archie.
Although Archie disputes this, maintaining his belief the young beauty was 17.
The fateful meeting took place at a Thursday night dance in a hall on the main street of Bunbury.
“He was a really good dancer, he was five years older and had been around for a while and I just loved him straight away and have never stopped loving him,” Helen said.
She described her husband as having a philosophical outlook and as an amazing sportsman.
She said one of the keys to their lasting love was sharing passions and hobbies.
“We’ve been around a lot and what ever the other the loves, we do it together and vice versa,” she said.
“Archie is very positive, he sees the big picture and has taught me a lot – when we first met I didn’t know what was what.
“Nobody is perfect but he is very easy to love.”
Archie joked he paid his wife to say nice things about him.
“We’ve just done everything together,” he said.
“Set up half a dozen businesses, 65 years is all jumbled up but 95 per cent of what we have done in our lives has been 50-50 and together.”
He added Helen was a very good cook but couldn’t put words to what made him fall in love with her.
“It was just a really natural bloody get together – how can you describe that? How do you get down to the nitty gritty of that,” he said.
“We are just best friends and hardly have any arguments.”
It was clear to the Mail Archie was a smooth funnyman, especially when he asked this reporter how many years she had been married.
After breaking the bad news to Archie, he responded with the chipper spirit his wife said he was known for.
“Well with a voice like that you’ll be married in no time and join us with a 65 year anniversary,” he said.
He went on to tease his 17-year-old grandson and his beloved Helen.
“He has got to get moving if he wants to reach the 65 years,” he said.
“I don’t know why she mentions sport – it wasn’t the football that made her fall in love with me, I don’t think she saw one game.”
Not one to be left without the last word, Helen grabbed back the phone after this remark and ended with one last thought about their long lasting union.
“The only reason I’m still with him is his terrific sense of humour,” she laughed.
“Here’s to at least another 20 years.”
Helen and Archie are the proud parents of daughters Jackie and Kymm.
Their special occasion was marked with a family celebration and cards from the Queen, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Governor General Peter Cosgrove.
