All’s fair, to coin a phrase

HEALESVILLE couple Derek and Rita Dean celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last month.
They married at Walsall, Staffordshire, in the United Kingdom on 8 April 1950.
They met at primary school in 1937 when Rita was nine and Derek was eight years old.
Rita had spent all her pocket money on a school outing and had no bus fare to get home.
“This boy named Derek kindly gave me his last half penny to ride the bus while he walked home alongside his favourite teacher,” Rita said.
The next day on repayment of the loan, Rita boldly asked Derek if he would marry her. He said he “would think about it”.
They met again seven years later and began courting before marrying five years later.
The couple immigrated to Australia in 1958 with two children, and after a long, hard working life, retired to Healesville 24 years ago.
They have four grand daughters and as many great-grandchildren – with another expected in July.
Mrs Dean said after 60 years they are still going strong and are still in love.
Mr Dean said they enjoy similar activities and don’t bother arguing.
“A bit of give and take is essential in a marriage, although Rita knows I’m always right, anyway,” he said.
“We just fit together.”