"At the age we are (Octogenarians) it seems like every other week, we learn of another friend passing and attending 'Celebrations of life Ceremonies' with increasing frequency!
SO: Last weekend, it was an absolute delight to attend a wedding ceremony!
The wedding saw my wife's Great Niece Zara marry her partner of five years James at a Charming wedding location in Wiltshire.
Below: Great Aunty Bunny relaxing before the wedding ceremony!
For me at my age (82) this was the epitome of a thoroughly modern marriage, they have a delightful little boy who was two on the day after his mum and dad married. It might have been out of place when we were married (61 years ago) but is surely better than marrying too young and then breaking up just a year or two later, as so often seems to be the case these days!
We gathered at midday with fellow family members, enjoyed a drink while mixing and getting to know fellow attendees. Most of the circa 120 wedding guests were in the age group of the bride and groom with a few golden oldies (like us) eg. Grandparents!
In that hour before the wedding ceremony: at 1pm. we were in awe of the kindness and care show to us by these wonderful young couples and the vitality and vivacity of the 'boys and girls' all beautifully attired; boys in tuxedo's and girls in colourful and very feminine dresses.
The buzz of excitement as we all anticipated the ceremony and engendered a "buzz" that continued throughout the day and rose to a "crescendo" during the party atmosphere in the evening!
While the 'Great Aunt' and her husband (me) could no longer manage to join the guests on the dance floor, we were pampered by our young relatives and positioned perfectly to watch, listen and enjoy the party atmosphere. Great fun!
Father and Daughter - Jeremy and Zara arrive for the Wedding Ceremony
James and Zara - The Wedding Ceremony
Signing the register
Bride and Groom and Wedding Guests
James and Zara walk the Confetti parade
Newly weds James and Zara with 'Mother of the Bride Debbie and Father Jeremy'
Top Table and 'father of the bride and mother of the groom' glowing with pride and happiness.
As we all settled for The Wedding Breakfast - and speeches flowed, Jeremy as Father of the Bride 'kicked off' with an excellent appraisal of his daughter Zara in her formative years.
One particular element that caught my imagination was a review of a family holiday in the Algarve where as Jem and Debbie lapped up the sunshine by the pool and Zac swam enthusiastically, he noted that Zara was notably absent, but could be spotted on occasions with an entourage of young friends.
When it was time to leave, Jem returned their key to reception and remarked; "clearly nothing to pay as the holiday was 'all inclusive'
Well said the receptionist, there is a charge of 500 Euros for ice creams and soft drinks!
Puzzled; Jem mentioned this to Zara - "Don't worry Dad, there should be nothing for you to pay, it was charged to the room!!!!!!!!!!
Below: left. Zara and James with their Son Archie and right. Zara with her brother Zac, father Jeremy, mother Debbie and Archie
In conclusion, what a fantastic day we had, a truly wonderful wedding with such lovely 'generation of young people' raising hope for the future of our families!
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My granny always used to say, after the Lord Mayors Show - 'comes the dustcart' - well not exactly, but after Sunday's glamour and excitement, The English Apple Man returned to routine with another hospital appointment.
Cursed with a bad back (like so many) I had a follow up visit to an NHS physiotherapist to assess progress of my exercise regime.
While there at our local NHS Hospital, I noticed a display of fruit and vegetables on sale under the banner NHS 5 a day!
The stallholder Dave and his young assistant Reece had a wide selection of fruit and vegetables, and in conversation, Dave told me they NHS 5 a Day is now available at 65 NHS Hospitals across the country.
Below: left. Dave and Reece and right. delicious apricots and peaches
Below: left. Pears and right. Strawberries
Below: left. Vegetable selection and right. a collection of berries
Click on: NHS 5 a Day
On another subject, but clearly related. I have been 'more than pleasantly surprised' by the stunning quality of British Strawberries in our Supermarkets of late. This is due to the hard work and scientific progress made by breeders in Britain and overseas producing a plethora of high quality strawberries, and also raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. All far 'superior' to the berries I was growing 60 years ago.
Below: Strawberry 'FAVORI' in Tesco this week, grown by Sean Charlton
That is all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man