Meet Douglas and Beverley

Douglas met Beverley in the foyer of the GPO in Sydney and was dared to take her out on a date in 1963... and the rest is history.

They were married 3 years later on the 24th September, 1966 at the Wesley Chapel Sydney and after their honeymoon moved into their new house in Toongabbie. In December 1968 they had their first born daughter Leonie, followed by Kristine in June 1972.

Douglas Elith Baker was born and grew up in Balgowlah and Seaforth and went to school at Balgowlah Public School and Mosman High School until 1950. He worked as a tiler in a hardware store, a telegram boy, did National Services Training as a cook based at Holsworthy Army Barracks, was a lift operator at Daley Street exchange in Sydney and was transferred in 1960 to the GPO for the PMG (Postmaster General), now known as Australia Post. In 1968 Doug started his new role as a postman in the Sydney CBD and continued until his retirement in 1992.

Doug progressed into casual and voluntary work with the Sydney 2000 Olympics, helping with mail distribution leading up to the Olympics and was also selected to be an Olympic torch bearer in Parkes NSW. At this time Doug started a new role as being Santa Claus, working at Grace Bros Parramatta, Penrith Westfields, at various schools and day-cares, and nursing homes, spreading joy over the Christmas period and to this day he still loves to put the Santa suit on.

For Doug’s 80th birthday he decided to sky dive in Wollongong in his Santa suit and as he loved it so much he did it again a couple of years later on his 82nd birthday.

Beverley Jean Hughes was born in Mosman and grew up in Ryde. Beverley attended Ryde Public School and Riverside Girls High School and started work on her 16th birthday at the GPO for the PMG (Postmaster General),now known as AusPost, as a Coptometrist (an account machinist) and ceased working when she married in 1966. Beverley did some casual work but mainly was a stay-at home Mum looking after the family. Bev has always loved to do puzzles and read books, which she collected many of over the years.

Doug and Beverley have always loved being a part of their Church community, playing carpet bowls and enjoying family picnics and outings.

They are very proud parents to their lovely daughters, Leonie and Kristine and now have four adorable grandchildren Chris, Patrick, Kaitlin, and Stephanie. More recently they were thrilled to become great-grandparents to Finn, Oliver and Charli.

Beverley 80, and Doug 87 years have lived a full and fun filled life together. They share their secret to their long and successful marriage of 56 years to “Give and Take, compromise, and say sorry if you’re wrong. And lots of love.”