mmg.com.au

Joe and Dawn Ogden celebrate 60 years of marriage today.

Joe, a former police officer, met Dawn at the Russell St police auditorium and the pair was married on March 6, 1953 at the Collins St Independent Church, followed by a reception at Edenhope in Ascot Vale.

‘‘It was just glorious,’’ Mrs Ogden said.

Throughout their marriage the pair have been avid travellers, with particularly memorable trips to Europe and China, and 25 years of caravanning across Australia. They only sold their caravan two years ago, and now choose to visit the Gold Coast each winter.

The Ogdens have three children — Christine, Mark and Glenn — and five grandchildren who they ‘‘absolutely idolise’’.

Mr and Mrs Ogden were treated to a surprise celebration on Saturday by their family, who congregated in Benalla to reflect on the milestone wedding anniversary.

‘‘The families gave us a wonderful surprise at the weekend, they were all home,’’ Mrs Ogden said.

‘‘We knew some were coming but we didn’t realise what extent they went to, everything was just magnificent.’’

Mrs Ogden said their 60 years together had been a wonderful journey.

‘‘It’s been a journey — there’s been ups and downs like everything, but the happiness has been just wonderful — and just such a beautiful family,’’ Mrs Ogden said.

‘‘Our family have kept us young.’’

The pair will have a private celebration with a small group this evening.