General News
20 July, 2022
Wedding memories build strong bonds
MEMBERS of the social support service at Terang’s Josie Black Community Heath Centre celebrated past celebrations with a special themed-day.
MEMBERS of the social support service at Terang’s Josie Black Community Heath Centre celebrated past celebrations with a special themed-day.
Clients and staff brought in wedding dresses, debutant dresses, christening outfits, ballroom gowns as part of the service’s weddings and special occasions day last week, providing an opportunity to share both the items and the memories each moment created.
Social support client Janice Mackenzie shared some of her family history on the day, bringing in wedding photos of her parents and cousins weddings.
Her parents were married in 1952 after they met while her father was serving in the military.
“They got married in Japan, where my mother is from,” she said.
“My father’s army mate was best man and my mother’s sister was bridesmaid."
“They got married before they came out to Australia in 1953."
“It’s good to share those memories.”
Social support client Margaret Linford shared the story of the less-than-ideal start to her marriage to husband, John.
“Stephens Stores was in Warrnambool and my mother said to go and pick a wedding dress out,” she said.
“Unbeknown to me, my mum and my aunty went in to Stephens Stores to have a look at the dress, but the day I got married I got a hell of a surprise as it was a different dress.”
Despite the snafu, the wedding went off without a hitch. Unfortunately, so too did a traditional wedding prank.
“Someone had got in to the place we were living and sprinkled confetti everywhere in our suitcases,” Mrs Linford said.
“We get on the train and were waving goodbye and my husband noticed we were leaving a little trail of confetti all through the carriages."
“When we went down to Spencer Street station we walked over to the hotel, and I had a funny feeling the room was going to have two single beds instead of a double. I opened the door and laughed like mad because there were two single beds."
“Through the night I woke up because I could hear a noise, and here is my husband on his hands and knees with a shoe brush trying to brush up the confetti.”
Perhaps it is best to get the complications out of the way sooner, as Margaret and John went on to enjoy a 58 year marriage, five children and a slew of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
“I had a lovely married life,” Mrs Linford said.
Terang and Mortlake Health Service social support co-ordinator Wendy Errey said the weddings and special occasions theme was a success.
“These days are not only a lot of fun, but also increase reminiscence, shared experiences and facilitate the development of enhancing social connections,” she said.
“Maintaining social connection is important at all ages, so we want to offer company, fun activity and outings as well as a two-coursehot lunch."
“It’s better than sitting at home by yourself.”
Ms Errey said the social support service offers a range of activities from 10am-3pm Monday to Friday, including a Monday men’s group, the Golden Girls group on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, and the Coffee Ramblers group every Thursday morning.
The program is now offering a gentle exercise program at the Cobden heated pool on the first and third Tuesday of the month.
Those interested in participating in the social service are invited to attend on Monday-Friday between 10am-3pm for more information.