A SHAFT of golden, wintry sunshine filtered through the trees at the St James Heritage Hill complex and illuminated the church hall.
It was a golden symbol for a golden day in the lives of former Dandenong mayor Ian McDonald and his wife Pat, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary last month with about 100 family members and friends.
Instead of speeches and a cake, there was an informal concert. Eldest grandson Jordan Dalgleish was MC and among the artists was Cheryl MacDonald, the celebrant’s daughter, who has often featured in our paper for her opera singing.
Vicar Jeffrey Parker spoke of the couple’s bond with their church.
Junior performers included students of Kathleen McAleer’s Dancing School, resplendent in silvery costumes.
Hawthorn fans were asked to gather on stage with brown and gold scarves to signify Pat and Ian’s years of club membership.
Some guests had motored in from NSW and South Australia. Others came from Horsham, Wonthaggi, Warragul and Yarra Glen.
The church ladies, led by Alma Yeaman, served up a sumptuous afternoon tea and a side table that had memorabilia related to Pat and Ian’s individual interests. Ian’s council, sports and community careers drew quite a buzz.
Ian and Pat met at a Dandenong Town Hall dance. Ian was well known as a compere and Pat came from Albert Park.
At the time of their marriage Ian played football for Catani and was a Collingwood district cricketer who played for Dandenong in Country Week cricket.
For his services to cricket, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal of the Year in 2000.
Ian began his career as a junior accountant at International Harvester Company in Dandenong and went on to work for General Motors Holden, Euclid and T&G Insurance. He has never retired from his community work or from everyday working life.
Pat is a loyal wife, a loving mother to four children and a grandmother to seven grandchildren.
Do you have a milestone, memory or question for Marg? Email marg@yourweekly.com.au or post submissions to A Moment with Marg, c/o Greater Dandenong Weekly,
PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175.
