Bluff couple celebrates 50 golden years
Elene and Geoffrey celebrated their special day at the Champagne Castle Hotel. This is the same hotel they went to on their honeymoon 50 years ago.
BLUFF residents, Elene and Geoffrey Swale, celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss on Saturday, 8 May.
Elene and Geoffrey celebrated their special wedding anniversary at the Champagne Castle Hotel. This is the same hotel they went to on their honeymoon 50 years ago.
The pair were married by Father Leslie at the Musgrave Holy Trinity Church, Musgrave in 1971. They met while Geoffrey was trying to court Elizabeth, the sister of Elene, while working together. That failed and Geoffrey decided to court her sister, Elene.
She lived in Queensburgh during her school years. Geoffrey grew up and has lived on the Bluff all his life. They have two adopted children, Derek and Kerry who live in Australia as well as six grandchildren.
The Swales’ have been active in the Bluff Community for many years. Geoffrey was on the school governing bodies while the children attended Marlborough Park, Fynnland and Grosvenor Girls schools. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Moth at Mdumbi Shellhole and has been a member for 20 years. He also ran the Comrades Marathon for five years ably supported by the late Ron Winslow as a member of the Bluff Athletic Club. He’s embarked on various activities with his lifetime companion and wife by his side, behind the scenes. Elene is a very private person who shy’s away photographs. Geoff describes his wife as a very caring person who goes out of her way to help people.
Their daughter Keyy describes her parents as two imperfect pieces that fit perfectly together. They shared that the secret to the success of their marriage is to never go to bed until differences are resolved and that humour in a relationship is a benefit.
