The local residents recently celebrated their 50th anniversary after tying the knot on September 16, 1967.

“It was just a quiet occasion for us,” Mr Rankin said.

“But, we received certificates of congratulations from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Governor-General of Australia Peter Cosgrove and Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon, which was nice.

“It’s funny; Peter and Joel both included their wives’ names on the cards.

“However, Malcolm didn’t mention Lucy,” he added with a laugh.

Mr Rankin recalls the couple’s introduction like it was yesterday.

“Not long after I moved to Muswellbrook, a workmate of Denise’s married a friend of mine,” he said.

“We met at their wedding – and things blossomed from there.”

Proud parents of Deidre (who now lives in Orange), Jeremy (Sydney) and Anna (Bathurst), and grandparents to six children, the Rankins have a strong affiliation with Muswellbrook – and continue to do so.

“Denise worked at the telephone exchange in town, while I’ve had roles in local government,” Mr Rankin said.

“We were both heavily involved in junior sport, too – including pony club, cricket and golf.

“These days, Denise does a lot of volunteer work.”

So, what’s the secret to a successful marriage?

“I’ll admit, we’ve had some troughs,” Mr Rankin said.

“Luckily, they weren’t deep.

“I guess patience is the greatest virtue you learn.

“And, Denise’s cooking skills has also helped.”