Gloucester’s Maurie and Val Smith celebrate 70 years Gloucester District by News Of The Area - Modern Media - February 13, 2025 Maurie and Val were married in the Church of England in Woy Woy on 12 February 1955. MAURIE and Val Smith of Gloucester will celebrate 70 years of marriage on 12 February 2025. Maurie (93) and Val (90) were born and raised on the Central Coast, NSW. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au They both loved sport and met in their late teens on a tennis court in Tuggerah in 1952. In 1953 Maurie was offered a job in Gloucester and set off to pursue a career in the motor industry. He regularly rode his AJS motorbike back to the Central Coast to visit family and visit Val. His courtship and fondness for Val won the day when they were married in the Church of England in Woy Woy on 12 February 1955. They began their 70 years of marriage in a home in Market Street, Gloucester, having three daughters. When asked how they managed 70 years together they attributed it to “good health” and a “deep respect for each other”. They also believe the support of the friendly, community spirit of Gloucester residents helped make their seven-decade companionship a healthy and happy success. “Gloucester supported their partnership of the local Grahams Garage business and their passion for tennis, golf, fishing, cards, gardening, snooker and various affiliations with clubs, charitable groups and the local Anglican church,” said daughter Bev Smith. “They enjoyed giving back to a town that they grew to love and appreciate, that adds up to a long and good life.” Their 70 year achievement has brought congratulatory wishes from King Charles, the Governor General, the Prime Minister and Federal and State Ministers.
