That’s what Russell and Dorothy Wharton celebrated on the weekend surrounded by the many relatives and friends they have met along the way.

The couple toasted to their diamond wedding anniversary over lunch at the Scone Bowling Club with a crowd of 50 there to share the special occasion which ended with the cutting of a marvellous cake.

Russell, a Gundy man born and bred, met Dorothy from Scone at a Gundy dance when they were both in their early twenties.

Married on November 9 1957 – they decided to stay in the area and Russell became some-what of a legend in these parts.

Raised on the family cattle enterprise at Gundy, Mr Wharton is a country man through and through.  

The property ‘Hillgrove’ has been in the Wharton family since 1854 and is now run by one of Mr Wharton’s two sons, John. 

A well-known man in both the Scone and Gundy districts, Russell became involved in as many parts of the community as he could.

“He was active in St Mathew’s Anglican Church in Gundy, a member of the Scone Lodge, Scone Charity Rodeo committee and a past president of the Gundy Bushman’s Carnival,” his son Andrew Wharton said.

“Dad was also recognised as a VIP [Very Important Person] at the Scone Horse Festival in 2012,” he said.

Dorothy was a member of Scone Probus and various charity groups, and a past treasurer of St Matthew’s Anglican Church.

The couple remain very active in the community, and at 85 and 84 years of age, still both drive a car.

“They’re both very active and still and full of life,” Andrew Wharton said.

“Dad’s carting cattle as we speak.

“There has been lots of love and happiness over the years and many of their grandchildren still live local.

“Dad has three grandchildren, Scott, Nikki, and Adam.”