We so liked the idea that, in 1966, we became engaged and, in August 1967, this Norfolk lad, born and bred, ventured far into ‘foreign parts’ to marry Aileen in St Alphege, the parish church in Solihull.
By this time, Aileen’s parents, finding life on the coast rather too quiet for them, had moved back to the Midlands, hence the reason for ‘tying the knot’ in Solihull and not in Sheringham!
If you would like to send your good wishes to us, we’d be delighted to hear from you – please contact:
A
LOVELY BOUQUET
What a wonderful surprise we had when this beautiful bouquet of
flowers arrived from Sami and Phil in Australia. The pink roses have a really
gorgeous fragrance, and there are large pink lilies, eucalyptus and other
pieces of greenery. Such a lovely bouquet. Thank you so much, Sami and Phil.
A
WEATHERVANE
Something we always wanted – a little gift to ourselves!
FRAGRANT
ROSES FOR OUR GARDEN
There was an urgent rattling of the back gate and when we went
to investigate there was a man from David
Austin Roses of Wolverhampton, with three container roses: Jubilee
Celebration, Rosa Harlow Carr and The Alnwick Rose, sent to us by Julian
and Jane. Thank you, both of you, so much.
TABLE
DECORATION
The Yard of Wymondham prepared the gorgeous floral table decoration
(below left) and delivered it to our door this morning, Saturday 11 August,
much to Aileen’s surprise. The photograph does not show the true richness
of the red roses and gerbers, nor the deep red carnations.
THE
RUBY WEDDING CAKE
This delightful cake was made for us by Sally of Carlton Cakes
in Hethersett and it is beautiful. This is a rich fruit cake, but Sally also
made us a sponge cake of a similar design for those who do not like fruit!
First-class cakes, with wonderful handmade decorations and bound to taste
good!
OUR
FIRST HOME
Following the wedding and reception in Solihull, Warwickshire,
we drove in our trusty Morris Minor to ‘Ailsha’, our bungalow, on
the Millfield Estate in North Walsham, Norfolk, where we spent our first three
blissfully-happy years together.
Copyright © Ashley Gray 2008
The
Webmaster would like to thank the Author of www.landofnurseryrhymes.co.uk
and www.ukmagic.co.uk
for kindly allowing music to be used from his sites.
SATURDAY
12 AUGUST 1967
(Above left) Ashley needs no telling to ‘Kiss the Bride’!
(Above right) John Black, the Best Man – Aileen’s brother
– with the Newly-Weds and Ann Verity, Matron-of-Honour.
(Centre) St Alphege Church, Solihull, near the High Street.
(Opposite) The Wedding Party, from left to right: Albert Gray, Gwen
Black, John Black, Ashley & Aileen Gray, Ann Verity, William Black and
Gladys Gray.
(Far right) Aileen and Ashley have a laugh at the reception at the
Swan Hotel, Yardley – and a drink!