January 10 marked the couple's 50^th wedding anniversary and the pair spent the day serving the community at the post office before jetting away for the weekend down the East Coast.

The pair met as teachers at Parklands High School in Burnie, before marrying at Sheffield's Uniting Church.

They then had postings in Hobart and spent 10 years in Melbourne for Mr Richardson's work before returning to Tasmania to be closer to family and buying the post office 21 years ago.

Mrs Richardson said she did not remember what attracted her to him all those years ago but their relationship blossomed.

She said the key to remaining married for so long was patience.

"I think communication as well, being able to converse and working through issues together," she said.

They have two sons and seven grandchildren.

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Mr Richardson was a member of the Meander Valley Council for 18 years and founded the Westbury Hagley Development Association.

He said common values including social justice, fairness and equity, and shared interests were what drew the pair together.

"Cherly was a music teacher and whilst I can't play a note I thoroughly enjoy music," he said.

"I would encourage people to develop long term relationships, you learn a lot about each other, Cheryl sure put up with me.

"My tips for 50 years is I think it's trying to understand each other, because no relationship is ever going to be 100 per cent harmony, it doesn't happen anywhere in life and it's a matter of treating situations like that with care or sometimes it's better to withdraw."

Mr Richardson said the pair had had a fortunate life but a lot had changed in 50 years and he was delighted to see young people fighting for social justice and to restore fairness and equality in Australia.