Still Together
Names James (Jimmy) & Margaret Costigan
Date 25th October 1958
Place of Marriage St Mary's Catholic Church, Scone NSW
How we met
At Scone Telephone Exchange. I (Margaret) was a telephonist and Jimmy was put beside me, for me to train him as a night boy (still trying, it's a slow process).
Was it love at first sight?
For me (Margaret) no, for Jimmy yes.
Who proposed and how?
Jimmy proposed in a little red car down by the Newcastle Docks - surroundings were not auspicious, but I doubt we noticed that.
How and when did you know he/she was the one for you?
For me (Margaret) when my family approved of the relationship. For Jimmy almost straight away and confirmed when my family accepted him.
How much did your wedding cost?
Reception $143.20, Wedding Dress $80.00, Everything else was handmade or donated.
How many children/grandchildren do you have?
Five children, 15 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
What is your favourite thing to do together?
In the beginning weekends away by ourselves, and now, just quiet companionship.
What is the best thing about marriage?
- Companionship
- Knowing if you are ill someone will care for you
- Laughing over silly things
- Making serious decisions together
- Having someone know you so well that you don't have to explain
- Friendship
- Weekends to ourselves
- Big family gatherings
- Shared memories (good and bad)
What is the best thing about your husband/wife?
Jimmy is generous to a fault, supportive, caring and affectionate.
Margaret is totally supportive and a wonderful wife and mother.
What is the hardest thing about marriage?
Learning to accept the difference in each other and trying very hard to compromise when we disagree.
What was the best piece of advice you have been given about marriage?
To always communicate and be honest, even if it hurts.
How do you keep the 'spark' alive in your marriage?
Have some special time together - a nice dinner (can be had at home) or an outing, travel etc.
What are the keys to your successful marriage?
Communication, respect, trust and companionship. Having a friend to talk to and of course to love.
If you had one piece of advice to give couples soon to be married what would it be? 
Communicate - try to empathise when you both have differences of opinion.
Don't go to bed at night with unresolved issues.
Other comments?
Our life has been beset by illness, mental illness, the death of a son and other family troubles. But some how with the help of supportive family and friends we have made it this far. It has gone so quickly. We were surprised when our 50th anniversary come around.