Ron and Merle Boyd are both residents of Wingham Court and have lived there for the past 10 years. The pair are originally from Mudgee, on the land where the built a life for themselves from dedication and hard work.

Ron was a friend of Merle’s family who lived in the general store, and a relationship bloomed from time they spent together. Merle worked in the local Post Office as the postmaster’s assistant before she married and had three children. She then worked tirelessly looking after Ron and her children on the farm.

Ron and Merle say the most important part of their marriage is the fact that they have always looked after each other. Ron thinks Merle had the right idea from the start, picking a slightly younger husband to look after her in their later years. Ron in his 90s is fit on his feet despite having four knee re-constructions through his life. Working on the land was a tough and physical job for Ron who was committed to his property. Ron bred cross-bred sheep which gave very fat lambs, grew lucerne hay and was a registered seed grower.

“There was always a lot to do and it was hard work but it was good,” Ron said. Ron and his sons would all pitch in at shearing time, shearing for themselves and the neighbours for more than 14 years.

The pair both agree that they have lived through the best years and treasure the simple life they lived on the farm. Neither of them drank nor smoke which they put down as a key to their long and happy life.

Both Ron and Merle played tennis as a hobby with Ron entering competitions in the Mudgee area. They especially enjoyed hosting social tennis games with friends at their own tennis court, as a way to make fun. Merle was famous for her sponge sandwiches for which she would win countless prizes at country shows. “Merle is the best cook you will ever find,” Ron said.