Our Ruby Wedding was celebrated over the weekend of 31-Oct and 1-Nov 2009 with almost all our close family present.

We met Saturday evening for an informal buffet, and there were the original photos and cards from 40 years ago to see – it was the “mini” hemlines that provoked the greatest amazement, especially from the children of the “accused” (Mum, you never wore THAT!). As a total surprise, Jackie’s daughter Kirsty was wearing the same red dress that Jackie wore on the day (as matron-of-honour). Bernard wore the original tie – which still fitted him!! Bernard had arranged for a florist to re-create Katie’s bouquet, from an emailed photo – she instantly recognised it.

Here’s the photo of our immediate family, taken that Saturday night. Reading left-to-right : Adrian holding Cameron, Angela holding Sinéad, Bernard, Katie (holding her reproduction bouquet), Helen holding Matthew, Chris holding Charlotte (just 2 months old that day) – the first set of photos of “all 10 of us”.

On the Sunday morning, several of the party went to Lower Earley Baptist Church for the morning service – the very first service in the newly built and not-yet-opened building (by special permission of the builders, as they hadn’t at the time handed it over to us) – amongst the “we’re in the building” euphoria, there was a short “spot” to mark our anniversary. Then back to the hotel for Sunday lunch with the wider family.

It was a great weekend, and we’re so grateful to the many who had travelled long distances to be there. It was wonderful to meet some new folk, including Ingrid’s fiancé James, for the first time.

Return to the “About us” main page