The love story began when the pair met in the close-knit community of Quirindi in the North West Slopes of New South Wales.

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Eventually, Fred mustered the courage to invite Claire to a New Year’s Day dance.

Claire, being a dutiful daughter, requested Fred seek her parents’ permission before agreeing to go with him as she had never been away from her mother and father before.

Happy to accommodate, Fred asked Claire’s mother if he could take her daughter to the dance.

She instructed Fred that it was no use asking her, and that he had better ask Claire’s father instead.

So, Fred dug deep and went through the whole ordeal again.

Claire’s dad said yes and the pair have been together ever since.

Claire and Fred were engaged after twelve months of courtship.

A year later they were married.

After tying the knot, Fred, with the help of both his father and father-in-law, built a new home for his wife.

Fred and Claire welcomed their first daughter, Kerry, into the world shortly thereafter.

Three more beautiful daughters followed over the years.

Navigating married life with a house full of women, Fred said he often didn’t have much say in things.

“I could never get a word in,” he told NOTA.

Fred worked hard to provide for his family, taking on various jobs – including as a taxi driver and in a grocery store – before finding stable employment driving a grater with the council.

With their daughter Kerry showing promise at school, the family later decided to relocate to Newcastle.

When questioned about the secret to a long and happy marriage, Claire emphasised the importance of compromise and understanding.

“You need to give and take,” she said.

On the other hand, Fred attributes their lasting love to Claire’s culinary skills.

By Kim AMBROSE