Narre Warren couple Alan and Doreen McGann celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
By Rebecca Fraser
A LOVE of lawn bowls and travel has cemented a Narre Warren couple’s 50-year marriage.
Alan and Doreen McGann celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Friday, 1 September with a trip to Norfolk Island.
The pair met as teenagers in their home country of England, and both said they immediately knew they were meant to be together.
Mr McGann proposed to his future bride while away with the British Merchant Navy.
They married in a church in Liverpool 18 months later – both were aged 18.
Their wedding was followed by a reception at Doreen’s parents’ home and the couple has many fond memories of their nuptials.
The McGanns moved to Australia in 1965 and say it was the best decision they ever made.
They have called Narre Warren home for almost 18 years and have four adult children and eight grandchildren, including a set of triplets.
The retired couple returned to their home country for the first time in 40 years about 15 months ago and also toured Ireland.
They have also enjoyed a holiday to Kangaroo Island recently and often go away for weekends and short trips.
Mr McGann said the secret to a good marriage was honesty and forgiveness and being able to talk to one another.
He said the pair did not argue and greatly enjoyed going out to dinner together and indulging their passion for lawn bowls.
In winter the pair plays two days a week at the Narre Warren Bowls Club and in summer spends three days a week out on the green.
Most often the pair chooses to team up together, but if pitted against one another said they did not get competitive.
“We like the exercise, socialising and being with people our own age,” Mr McGann said.
“We have met some very nice people down there. Most are retired and we are all out to enjoy ourselves.”
