Allan and Lois Cottrell celebrated 50-year marriage by renewing vows

Gold Coast identities Allan and Lois Cottrell have celebrated their 50-year marriage by renewing their vows.

• Shark attack victim’s ashes scattered in ocean
• Good, bad and ugly: Rating every Coast childcare centre

GOLD Coast identities Allan and Lois Cottrell have celebrated their 50-year marriage by renewing their vows at Emerald Lakes Golf Course with the same Minister who married them in 1970.

Half a century ago on October 24 in Shepparton Victoria, Reverend Geoff Prentice made the young couple husband and wife.

The Cottrells, now in their early 70s, have two children, five grandchildren and coincidentally live just 1km from Mr Prentice, who is now 82.

Minister Geoff Prentice with Allan and Lois Cottrell. Photo: Scott Powick

“We couldn’t believe it when we found out he lived just down the road from us, it’s incredible to think that of all the places we could live, we are almost neighbours,” he said.

A former construction boss and VFL player, Mr Cottrell moved to the Gold Coast just after he was married, with wife Lois a hairdresser at the city’s very first high rise tower in Surfers Paradise.

“I met Lois when she was 15 in Shepparton and we’ve been together for 55 years, and luckily she still talks to me,” he joked.

Minister Geoff Prentice married Allan and Lois Cottrell in Shepparton, Victoria in 1970. Photo: Scott Powick

“She’s a very attractive lady and always been very kind to me.

“We bought our first block of land on the Gold Coast for $2500 at Surfers Ave in Mermaid Waters. When we moved here there were only 50,000 people on the Coast.”

Mr Cottrell started his own construction company and was retired by the age of 50.

“We were supposed to celebrate Lois’s 70th birthday this year by having a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, but that’s been cancelled because of COVID, so we’ll hopefully do that in a few years time,” he said.

Allan and Lois Cottrell with Minister Geoff Prentice, who remarried them for their 50th wedding anniversary. Photo: Scott Powick

“I’m still very much into the football and we drive our golf buggy across the road to Metricon Stadium to watch the games.”

Mrs Cottrell said the pair met playing badminton, a sport she still plays.

“It was just his nice personality and kindness that I fell in love with. It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long, I found a special soulmate,” she said.

The couple had a special pendant made using heirloom rings and other pieces of jewellery to celebrate their golden anniversary.

And the secret to 50 years of marital bliss?

“Patience, and lots of kindness” said Mrs Cottrell.

Follow @emilytoxward