6 minute read
Hospital meeting leads to a
healthy life partnership
Graeme and Lorraine Pollerd have been married for 53 years. Yep, you read it right. That’s a long time in anyone’s language, but possibly more important than that milestone is the fact that they are still very happy. “I first met Graeme in hospital when I was nursing,” laughs Lorraine. “He was a patient when I was on night duty and I got his number from the book, which you’d never do now. I had previously noticed him at a dance but he had ignored me. I called him up and asked him to see To Kill a Mockingbird. That was it. I was brought up in Heidelberg and Graeme was a Thornbury boy. We met in 1964 and were married in 1967 in the Presbyterian church in Heidelberg and began married life around the corner from Mum and Dad in the same suburb. We were lucky.”
This deeply committed family-first couple, who moved to the Peninsula 35 years ago and founded Progress Signs in Mornington, credit much of their partnership success to keeping busy and making sure they both have hobbies. Lorraine continues: “Our lives have never been dull. I was a nurse for years while Graeme first started out valuing cars. We had a bike shop in Watsonia, a gardening business, a partnership in a garage in Rosebud and an equipment hire and farm supply business in Mornington before we opened Progress Signs. We’ve been busy. And, of course, throughout all that we had our two sons, Steve and Craig, so there was plenty to do.” And the hobbies? “I have always had a passion for music and singing while Graeme likes horseracing. I’ve done a lot of musical theatre locally and I still sing at functions around town. I just love it. We both get on with things. There’s always something to do.” Some of you may be wondering what it takes to keep the home fires burning when you’ve been together for so long, but Lorraine sees it very simply. She explains: “We always sit down together at the end of the day for
Graeme and Lorraine Pollerd on their wedding day.
a drink and have dinner. I don’t think there’s one holiday we’ve ever taken separately. We spend time together and apart but always work as a team. We rely on each other and each of us picks up the slack when we need to. We also see our boys and their families a lot, which is easy because we all live in Mount Martha now. Time with the family is important.” Will there be any parties happening now these fantastically fit 70-somethings have passed their golden anniversary and are heading towards their diamond anniversary? Lorraine concludes: “We won’t be renewing our vows. We’ve just seen Queen in Adelaide, though, and will be going to town to stay for a few nights soon.” I mean, why celebrate once when life and love has been so good? Enough said.
LIZ ROGERS
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Photo by Corey Wright Photography
Max’s Restaurant ticks all the boxes when it comes to what you’re looking for in a wedding ceremony and reception venue, with highly experienced staff, exceptional service and top-class food and beverages.
Max’s has been hosting weddings and other special events for 25 years, so the staff really know their business. You’ll receive personalised service during the planning process and you and your guests will be expertly looked after on the night. Max’s offers barbecue, cocktail, feasting and more formal dinner packages, accommodating up to 120 seated guests and 150 people for cocktail-style receptions. The delicious food has a seasonal focus and is complemented by estate wines. With the restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere and its hinterland vineyard setting offering stunning views of Western Port Bay and Phillip Island, your special day will be one to remember at Max’s. MAX’S RESTAURANT A: 53 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South T: 5931 0177 W: www.maxsrestaurant.com.au/ FB: MaxsRestaurantAtRedHillEstate INSTA: maxsrestaurant
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194 Nepean Highway (Near Wallaces Road) Dromana Ph: 5981 0355 | www.hickinbotham.biz
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A moment out of the ordinary.
12 MONTHS OUT Determine budget Make guest list Hire wedding planner Select the venue/caterer 11 MONTHS OUT Choose colour theme/design Hire photographer, band, DJ, videographer 10 MONTHS OUT Start shopping for wedding dress Book guests’ accommodation 9 MONTHS OUT Buy wedding dress 8 MONTHS OUT Prepare gift register Select bridesmaids’ dresses/schedule fittings Meet potential florists 7 MONTHS OUT Book dinner venue Hire musicians Order rental items such as specialty chairs, linen, draping, lounge furniture, white dance floor Hire celebrant 6 MONTHS OUT Organise invitations Hire lighting technician 5 MONTHS OUT Book bride and groom’s transportation Book honeymoon Buy or rent groom’s tuxedo 4 MONTHS OUT Have final tasting with caterer Choose cake Buy wedding bands Select groomsmen’s attire/schedule fittings 3 MONTHS OUT Order invitations Create or plan menu Book photo booth rental Write vows Select readings Meet officiant and invite to rehearsal 2 MONTHS OUT Send invitations First dress fitting Buy wedding party gifts Do floral mock-up with florist Give song selections to band/DJ Buy all small items, including table numbers, toasting flutes, cake topper/ stand, cake knife, guest book, ring-bearer accessories, flower-girl accessories 1 MONTH OUT Assemble gift bags Pay vendors Create seating list Order or make place cards Have final venue walk-through FINAL WEEK Refresh your hair colour Get eyebrows done
For weddings and private function enquiries please call: (03) 5989 8412 or email: functions@montalto.com.au.
3278 Point Nepean Road, Sorrento 3943 VIC 03 5984 1500 www.thebaths.com.au weddings@thebaths.com.au
