It was a Scottish dance, New Year's Eve party in 1966 where Ernie and Janice Payne first laid eyes on each other.
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The quickly fell in love but were separated with Ernie being in the Navy, aboard a ship to South East Asia from January 5, 1967 to June 1967.
Ernie said he joined the Navy for two reasons - to see the world, and to get away from his parents.
Two years after meeting in the Rockdale Town Hall, the couple got engaged in March 1968.
They were engaged in Peakhurst so Janice's Nan could see the ring first.
Janice and Ernie were married on November 21, 1969 at Peakhurst Catholic Church. They had three bridesmaids and both parents attended.
Their wedding night was spent at Blakehurst Hotel.
Janice and Ernie had three boys Andrew, Derrick and Edward, who was sadly stillborn.
They now have three grandchildren, Blake, Leah and Charlotte. Through their life they have had six foster kids. At one time they had eight kids, including their own.
Janice worked as a bus driver for Nowra Bowling Club.
Humour has kept the couple in good stead.
"I don't know how I have put up with Janice, everything she tells me I do," Ernie said.
"When he talks, I walk away," Janice laughed.
"We had no major arguments, we just got on."
Janice now resides at IRT Greenwell Gardens and Ernie visits quite often.
