A love story that stands the test of time

• Village News

Sonia Lim 16 Feb 2026

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating a love story that began in the sand hills of Woolgoolga, NSW and continues today at RFBI Benhome Masonic Village.

Neil and Trish Morris first met as teenagers while exploring the sand dunes along the coast. Neil fondly recalls that Trish’s older sister always accompanied them as a chaperone – “so no funny business happened,” he says with a smile.

From those early seaside adventures, their romance blossomed. Saturday nights were spent at the cinema, building a connection grounded in friendship, laughter and shared experiences.

Neil and Trish were married in 1958 and went on to raise three children together. Neil worked hard to provide for his family, while Trish lovingly cared for their home and children. Together, they built a life filled with dedication, commitment and quiet strength.

Now residents of RFBI Benhome Masonic Village, Neil and Trish remain inseparable. They sit together each day, make new friends together, enjoy meals side by side and attend activities as a team.

Their story is a beautiful reminder that love isn’t just about grand gestures – it’s about partnership, loyalty and choosing each other every single day.

We are honoured to have Neil and Trish as part of our Maitland community and to celebrate the enduring love stories that make our village so special.

For more heart-warming stories from our villages click here.