Marriage success is a joint effort

By Shaun Inguanzo
THIS week marks a major milestone for Noble Park residents Lily and Dennis Chamberlain.
The couple will celebrate its 60th wedding anniversary, and last week shared the secret to a longlasting marriage with the Star, saying it was as simple as being a 5050 team effort.
“I would do the gardening if it was raining before Dennis finished work,” Lily said.
“When Dennis would come in (from work) he would do the (domestic) chores.”
Dennis said the couple had experienced its share of problems, but always overcame them.
“We have had our ups and downs, but have always worked them out,” he said.
“You should never go to bed on a quarrel.”
Another facet to the Chamberlains’ longlasting relationship is their lifespan; Lily is 79yearsold while Dennis is 82.
The 5050 principle is a theme that has spanned the Chamberlain’s relationship, having won several trophies for Ten Pin Bowling competitions in the same team, performed together as ball room dancers, and even retired simultaneously in 1989.
In 1959, Lily and Dennis made the biggest move of their lives, coming from Birmingham, England, to Melbourne.
“My brother and family came out here,” Lily said.
“I promised his wife that we would come out to them because she was a bit scared with just the two of them.”
So the Chamberlains packed their bags and in 1959 arrived in Melbourne, initially staying at a hostel in Footscray, then renting a property in Caulfield, before purchasing a home in Noble Park almost 30 years ago.
Lily and Dennis have had two children Pam, 57 and Keith, 52.