It’s never too late to find love. Just ask 86-year-old Ian Bellis and 85-year-old Bev Nicholson. 

They’re both widowed, both are grandparents and both are starry-eyed since falling in love earlier this year. 

It all started over a game of cards in the activities room at Uniting AgeWell’s Latrobe Community, Strathdevon where they live.  

Ian, who has lived at the Tasmanian aged care community for nearly four years, was sitting at the table playing cards with other residents when newcomer Bev joined them.  

He chuckles as he recounts the story. “I looked at her and I thought ‘hmmn, she’s a bit of an all-right!” 

Bev moved into the residential community at the beginning of the year and recalls seeing Ian and thinking  “Oh my, he’s rather handsome.” 

Sparks flew faster than you could say “gin rummy” and over the next few months the pair found themselves spending a lot of time with each other. 

Their lives are full of laughter and joy. They enjoy spending time with the beautiful birds in the birdcage in the activities room, going to art classes, sitting in sunshine in the garden and going on bus outings to explore Tasmania. 

They’re even compatible when it comes to the often-divisive decision of choosing which television channel to watch. Sports – of course! Ian used to go camping, Bev loved skiing and both enjoyed fishing.    

They find there’s always so much to chat about over a glass of wine or a beer at night.   

They’ve figured out they were both at the same primary school – Sheffield Area School south of Devonport and have mutual friends.  They went to different high schools though, with Bev staying in the area while Ian and his family moved to Hobart.  They both later moved to Launceston. 

The pair say they’re “partners” now and neither exclude making it official.  “Getting married is something we’ll think about,” says Ian – and Bev agrees.  

They’ve even taken the big step and told their children: Ian’s two and Bev’s three. “The kids are all very happy for us,” says Bev. In fact, Ian’s son was so delighted he promptly took them out to lunch. 

Residential Services Manager Lia Porteus, who has watched the romance unfold, is unashamedly over the moon. “It’s so wonderful to see the two of them together, holding hands and sharing a cuddle. It just goes to show you’re never too old to fall in love.” 

Lia is secretly hoping they get married at the site. “Wouldn’t it be absolutely wonderful to hold a wedding here?” 

But there’s one other serious contender for Ian’s heart. Lia’s dog Toby. The dog with a poster-pup smile absolutely dotes on Ian, who confesses he also just melts when he sees Toby high-tailing it around the home.