On Saturday February 27, Fred and Irene Baldwin celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with 76 relatives and friends attending the Narrabri RSL Club.

Family members from Dimboola (Victoria), Sydney, Windsor, Newcastle and Woolgoolga travelled long distances for the occasion.

Unfortunately Irene’s brother, Trevor Madden and his partner Helen Shephard and bridesmaid Dianne Halcroft (nee Maxwell) were unable to attend.

Fifty years ago the wedding service was held on February 27, 1971 conducted by Reverend Robert Marshall at St Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Narrabri, with the reception held at the Edgeroi Coronation Hall.

Fred and Irene’s four daughters Kerry, Chrissy, Lisa and Renee organised the celebration.

This included the anniversary cake, decorations and a power point presentation of photos depicting 50 years together.

The three-tiered anniversary cake was made by Watson’s Kitchen and decorated with gold writing, hearts and ribbon.

The cake was cut with the same knife the couple used on their wedding cake 50 years ago, adding a nostalgic touch to the occasion.

Irene’s brother, Wayne Madden, was the MC and kept everything running smoothly as well as keeping everyone amused with his numerous quips regarding marriage.

Of course, it would not be a Baldwin function without some form of entertainment, so nine family members performed a flash mob style rendition of A Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

Wayne read congratulatory messages from Australian Governor General David Hurley, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.

Irene and Fred were thrilled to have their anniversary acknowledge by these dignitaries.

Speeches were made by Wayne Madden, Kerry Nipperess and Carol Miller.

Lisa Baldwin, on behalf of her sisters, surprised Fred and Irene with a surprise announcement that the sisters had booked and paid for a holiday for the couple at their original honeymoon destination, Kirra Beach, Queensland which they took three days following the party.

Fred and Irene responded and thanked their daughters for organising the celebration and the holiday surprise and said they loved and were proud of their four beautiful daughters and their seven wonderful grandchildren.

Thanks was given for all the speeches, the entertaining song and dance act, and to all their relatives and friends for making the night very special.

A highlight of the night was when Fred sang to Irene, a heartfelt rendition of Love Me Tender, which Irene said was a touching and wonderful way to finish the evening.

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