Sixty-three years after saying “I do,” ECH residents Chris and John Thorne prove that love only grows stronger with time, renewing their wedding vows in an intimate ceremony at the Cumberland Park Community Centre, in the inner-southern suburb of Adelaide.

When ECH was contacted by a celebrant-in-training seeking a willing couple to run a mock ceremony to finish their study, Sharon Beech, who runs ECH’s Cumby Crew social connections program at the community centre, knew just who to ask.

Little did Sharon know that no acting would be needed, and the loved-up couple would take it very seriously, with the idea blossoming.

“I had always wanted to renew our vows, but I didn’t think John would go for it as he’s not a hopeless romantic, although it didn’t take me long to convince him,” laughs 80-year-old Chris.

First marrying when Chris was 17 and John was 20, with a baby on the way, the couple describe it as a “shot gun wedding” – a church ceremony, a small reception at home, and a honeymoon in Coffin Bay with her parents.

“This time was very different,” said Chris, who wore a $10 Perri Cutten suit from the Salvos. “I wasn’t teary like I was the first time with a disapproving mother looking on, however there were plenty of tears from everyone else!

“It meant so much to share the day with our Arthur Court Retirement Village neighbours and Cumby Crew friends who have become like family to us. It was a real joy to have our best friends Janet and Graeme stand by our side and be witnesses too.”

The Cumby Crew is a weekly social connections program run by ECH in partnership with the City of Mitcham at Cumberland Park Community Centre. More than 50 of ECH’s retirement village residents, in-home care clients and people from right across the community come together each week to craft, chat and share a cup of tea and a meal.

It’s the Cumby Crew’s community spirit and craftiness that helped make the vow renewal possible with just two months of planning. The wedding cake, flowers, bridal bouquet and buttonhole, music, emcee and drinks were all supplied with the support of volunteers, the celebrant and ECH staff.

Sharon Beech, who runs the Cumby Crew in her role as ECH’s Connections Lead, played another key role in the vow renewal. A former vocalist for a popular cover band, she dusted off the vocal cords and sang a rendition of Shania Twain’s You’re Still the One as the wedding song.

“Moments like this remind us that connection is at the very heart of wellbeing,” Sharon said. “The Cumby Crew is a special blend of people, purpose and place. It’s open to everyone, not just our residents and clients, and is somewhere for friendship and laughter.

“Seeing how everyone came together to celebrate Chris and John’s love really highlights the strength, warmth and welcomeness of the community we’ve built.”

When asked about the secret to a long marriage, Chris said it’s about enjoying time together but also appreciating time apart.

John agreed. “Having your own interests and respecting each other’s boundaries is so important,” he said.

Chris’ vows were different this time too and ones she wrote herself.

“At 17, I promised to love, honour and obey but I’ve dropped that last one now,” she laughed. John kept his message simple but sincere. “I love you to the moon and back.”

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