A very special event occurred in Woodenbong on June 4 1949 when twin sisters Ivy and Marj McMillan chose to share their most important day by way of a double wedding. Ivy married Ray Reid, and Marj married George Pethers on a day they'll never forget.

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Another rare event occurred on the day as it snowed on Mt Lindesay, visible from the lawn of the church where they were to be joined in matrimony, sleet falling on the bridal party as they entered the church.

As the brides-to-be were on their way to the ceremony, and as Ivy walked along the garden path, the wind was so strong it snatched off her veil and deposited it on a rose bush, from whence it had to be retrieved and re-attached.

The honeymoon wasn't drama-free either. After staying at the old Hotel Metropole, Sydney, they were due to return home only to discover the train line on the North Coast had been washed out by huge floods. They had to travel on a Douglas DC3 plane to Brisbane and then bus to Warwick. They then returned home to begin their new lives.

Ray and Ivy have had a fruitful and fulfilling 70 years of marriage based on their farm at Woodenbong, rearing five children and now have 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

They have always had connection with rural pursuits with active rural interests. Ray and Ivy still lead very active lives, both are members of numerous community committees and always willing to lend a hand and are extraordinary volunteers involved in many local events and activities.

Ray and Ivy both have been recognised locally and awarded with Citizen of the Year for Kyogle Shire, plus Ray received the Prime Minister's Medal for Service to Communities of the Upper Richmond and Upper Clarence areas.

For their platinum wedding anniversary they celebrated at the Woodenbong Golf Club last Saturday with an open house continuous morning tea on offer. This drew a large crowd of well wishers who enjoyed a sumptuous spread, pride of place the anniversary cake, beautifully made and decorated by daughter-in-law Christine Reid and was a tribute to its creator.

Their son Graeme was MC and special guests included flower girl Judy Birney (nee Reid) and long-serving, now retired MP Thomas George. The visitors including family came from as far away as Brisbane, Brunswick Heads, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Lismore and many, many locals.

Cards and congratulations included those from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Barnaby Joyce MP, Federal Member for New England.