herefordshire society february 2011

the love and marriage issueC MY K

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HEREFORDSHIRE SOCIETY

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Whowe areEditorFiona PhillipsContent editorPhilippa MayDesignerCeri VinesContributorsJo Comino, JennyHulme, StewartTaylor, WilliamHutchings, JessChilds, Keith St Peter,James Maggs, DavidGriffiths, Jay Watson,Peter MandersAdvertisementmanagerTina Hurley

ContactsEditorial01432 845864HSociety@midlands.newsquest.co.uksocietymagazine.co.ukPromotions01905 742213Subscription01905 742210/2213Advertising01432 845801

The next issue ofHerefordshire Societyis due to be publishedin April.

Herefordshire Society ispublished by Newsquest(Hereford) at HolmerRoad, Hereford, andprinted by Stephens andGeorge, Goat Mill Road,Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil,Mid Glamorgan, CF483TD. Newsquest— aGannett company.

ON THE COVERFLOWER BOMB DRESS BYIAN STUART, FROM WHITEMINX. HAIR AND MAKE-UPBY ONE ST PETER SQUARE.PICTURE: JAY WATSON ATALL SEEING EYE

the love and marriage issue

Features8 What the bride wore

How wedding day fashion has changed14 Great ways to say thank you

Wedding favours and thank you gifts18 How to get the hen night right

Say goodbye to the single life in style22 Love at the cathedral

The happy marriage that began in the close24 Happily ever after

Romantic novelist Victoria Routledge28 The soundtrack to your wedding

Music for the ceremony – and for that first dance30 Screen romance

Larger-than-life love stories35 Here’s wishing you a perfect day

What not to forget on the big day46 Tying the knot

Ben and Natalie’s handfasting ceremony71 Raise a toast to Ryan and Tim

A civil partnership forged at Tiffany & Co98 Herefordshire scene

Artist Peter Manders visits Holme Lacy

Fashion and beauty38 Bride and beautiful

Dresses to make dreams come true

Food and drink52 The icing on the cake

Inspiring ideas for maximum impact54 Sparkling occasion

How to select the right champagne

Homes and gardens60 Where will you say ‘I do’

Five of the finest local wedding venues62 We need that...

Essentials for your new home together63 We’d love this...

Pretty but practical – gifts with a heart

Motors75 Get me to the church in style

Bentley, Beetle or Cadillac?

People and events81 In this issue...

Herefordshire training awards, Wye AmateurBoxing Club dinner, Bulls Shop opening,Scottish reels meeting, Hereford ChoralSociety reception, Haven quiz night, KilpeckInn opening, Kendall Wadley retirement,Henryka opening

Inside this issuelove and marriage special

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What thebride wore

Many brides dream of a traditional whitewedding – but in

fact it’s a tradition that only dates back to

the time of

Queen Victoria. On the eve of another roya

l wedding that

is sure to influence wedding fashion for ye

ars to come,

Philippa May looks back at a century of brid

al wear

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With the Royal Wedding just

weeks away, speculation is

mounting about the dress Kate

Middleton, below, will wear for

her marriage to Prince William.

Phillipa Lepley, the designer who has created

dresses for Ulrika Jonsson and Davina McCall,

emerged as an early favourite following the

announcement. You & Your Weddingmagazine

said of her 2011 bridal collection: “Romantic

flowers, majestic ballgowns and twinkly vintage

lace – Phillipa Lepley’s newest looks are a pictur

e

of a feminine beauty.”

It is a fair bet, though, that it will be a romantic

dream of a dress, and one that will provide

inspiration for thousands of brides just as

previous royal brides’ gowns have. From Queen

Victoria to Princess Diana, royal wedding dresses

have made a lasting impact and influenced bridal

dress design.

Throughout the centuries, brides have dr

essed

according to their social status, with the

poorest wearing their Sunday best dress

for their wedding. The amount of

material a wedding dress

contained was also a reflection of

the bride's social standing and

indicated the extent of the

family's wealth to wedding guests.

Through the ages, the wedding dress has been

the most special dress of awoman’s life, but it’s

occasion dressing that has seen many changes.

The image of a fairytale princess is one we’ve

become used to, but that’s not howit’s always

been... and dresses haven’t always been white.

Until relatively recently, white wedding dresses

were worn by royalty and the wealthy. Those

with neither royal blood nor the money to blow

on a dress they would wear only once opted

instead for a dress that would later do service as

a ‘best dress’.

It’s widely believed that Queen Victoria’s choice

of white and silver for her wedding to Prince

Albert started the trend, but Princess Philippa,

daughter of Henry IV of England, was the first

documented case of a royal princess wearing a

white wedding gown for her marriage to Eric of

Pomerania in 1406: she wore a tunic with a cloak

in white silk bordered with grey

squirrel and ermine.

In fact, until Queen Victoria set

the trend for a white wedding,

brides would have been more likely

to have worn blue as a symbol of

purity, the colour ofthe dress the Virgin

Mary was most often depicted wearing.

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10 societymagazine.co.uk Weddings past and present

1930sWaists becamefashionable again,with the introductionof figure-flatteringbias-cut gowns. Butthe ‘royal’ bride of the1930s - Mrs WallisSimpson – wore a verydifferent gown at her1937 wedding to theformer King EdwardVIII. Her simple floorlength dress withmatching jacket wasspecially designed forher in a colour createdto match her eyes,dubbed ‘Wallis Blue’.Complementing thedress was a pink andblue feathered hat. Itis said that her dresswas the single mostcopied wedding dressin history.

1940sFrom June 1941,clothing, cloth and shoerationing wasintroduced, forcingmany brides to sharedresses while thosewomen in the servicesmarried in their militaryuniforms. Civilian bridestook inspiration fromthis tradition and theirwedding outfits wereoften a simple, tailoredjacket and skirt thatcould be worn again.Once the war ended andrationing ended in 1949,

the fashion for elegant,long wedding dressesreturned. Among thebrides who, immediately

post-war, neededclothing coupons to buytheir wedding dress wasthe then-PrincessElizabeth who marriedPrince Philip onNovember 20, 1947

1950sAmong brides enjoyingthe post-war boom wasGrace Kelly, who in 1956married Prince Rainierof Monaco in a dressdesigned by Helen Rose,

wardrobe designer atMGM, as a wedding giftfrom the studio. It wasmade from antiqueValenciennes rose pointlace, silk taffeta andtulle, and the veil wascovered with appliquédlace lovebirds and seedpearls. It was a stylethat inspired many1950s brides. Dresses inthe era were perfectlytailored, with a return tofemininity characterisedby small waists, flaredskirts and cinchedcorsets. The 1950s alsosaw the introduction oftea-dress style weddingoutfits, a style nowenjoying a revival.

What your great-grandmother wore on her big day How wedding dress fashion ha

1920sBy the 1920s therevolution in ladies’clothing was underway,leading to hemlinesrising higher than theprevious ankle-lengthdresses and the arrivalof the distinctiveflapper-style dresses.The 1920s wereprobably when theprevailing fashions weremost closely reflected inwhat brides chose towear on their big day. Awedding dress of thedecade is oftenimmediatelyidentifiable, thoughwedding dressesremained full length asthe shorter-length skirts

were consideredunsuitable for church.The tradition of usingthe wedding veil as partof the christening gowndates from this era.

1900sThe long elegant linesof the 1890s continuedinto the 1900s, and atthe beginning of thedecade the fashion wasfor tiny waists, withhips emphasised andposteriorsexaggerated. By 1908,fashion designers werepresenting a newsilhouette with athicker waist, narrowerhips and a flatter bust,and as the decadecame to a close themost fashionable skirtshad risen slightly toclear the floor andapproach the ankle.

All in the detail:Hereford MuseumResource Centre’sstunning collection ofvintage weddingdresses demonstratesa wealth of intricatebeading, laceworkand embroidery.

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1960sThe Grace Kellyinfluence continuedinto the 1960s, with alot of Princess Grace-inspired dresses madein satin and lace andclosely fitted. This was,unsurprisingly, thedecade when shorterwedding dresses tookoff, and it also saw theshort-lived creation ofbouffant-shaped veils,designed tocomplement thedecade’s love of up-dohairstyles.

1970sWedding dresses in the1970s are instantlyrecognisable but not forfollowing a particularfashion. It was a decadewhen a number of styles

were popular, each ofwhich could bepersonalised in a varietyof ways. Among thestyles that provedpopular were Greciandresses, Empire linegowns, oftenembellished withbeading and lace on thebodice, and, at the tailend of the hippy era, aBohemian look wasoften the choice ofbrides wantingsomething a little lesstraditional, withpeasant-style weddinggowns particularlypopular, while veils gaveway to some veryindividual headwear.

1980sThe 1980s opened witha royal wedding asDiana married Charlesin a dress that wouldset a trend for thedecade. This after allwas the decade ofexcess in everything –think Dynasty andDallas, the hyper-glamsoaps of the age,WallStreet ‘greed is good’and city slickers – anddresses followed suit.Big shoulders, puffysleeves, fussy flouncesand elaborateembellishmentcharacterised the 80sdress. Following thetrend set by Diana withher cream Emanueldress, the mostpopular colours in the1980s included ivory,cream and the palestpale pink.

1990sMore colour wasintroduced, withdesigners moving awayfrom self-colouredembellishment andembroidery tocontrasting colours fordetailing. The 1980strend for designs thatfocused on theshoulders continued. Asthe decade moved on,one big inspiration wasthe Victorian era, withwide skirts provingpopular. Waistlinesdropped below the hips,

with wide skirts flaringout beneath, andbodices were closelyfitted for a sculptedlook. By the middle ofthe decade the highernecklines and bigshoulders gave way toplunging necklines andstrapless, sleevelessgowns.

2000sA look at weddingphotographs from thelast decade will revealthat sexy, straplesswedding gowns werethe choice of mostbrides, but by the mid-2000s designers werecreating more modestdresses and a vintagelook became popular.

shion has changed over the decades

True coloursWhat your dress says about you

Married in white, you have chosen right,

Married in blue, your love will always be true,

Married in pearl, you will live in a whirl,

Married in brown, you will live in town,

Married in red, you will wish yourselfdead,

Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow,

Married in green, ashamed to be seen,

Married in pink, your spirit will sink,

Married in grey, you will go far away,

Married in black, you will wish yourself back.

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14 societymagazine.co.uk Gifts

The stars of any wedding are the bride and groom, but as in all the best shows,out this fabulous selection of gifts and wedding favours to find that special

Great ways to

The Perfect Pair scented pear soap£2.54 each fabulousfavours.co.uk

Love-sicle lightly scented popsicle soap£2.34 each fabulousfavours.co.uk

Plantable scrolls £37.50 for 10notonthehighstreet.com

Have a Blast! biodegradablewedding poppers £17.35 for 12fabulousfavours.co.uk

Rose ball candle £2.54fabulousfavours.co.uk

Wedding favours and thank you gifts

Wildflower seeds£9 for 5 packsnotonthehighstreet.com

Aqua and pink favour boxes £11.95for 12 aweddinglessordinary.co.uk

Confetti Cones £33.99 for 25highsocietybride.co.uk

100 loose tiny chocolatehearts by Cocoapod £8notonthehighstreet.com

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there’s always a strong supporting cast and an enthusiastic audience. Checksomething that will help you say a big thank you to your own backstage team

For the best man

say thank you

Tin favour pails £9.95 for 12aweddinglessordinary.co.uk

Personalised pink rosebudfavours by HeavenlyHearts £2.25notonthehighstreet.com

Decorated chocolateletters £2.25notonthehighstreet.com

Sweet Heart bath confetti£1.42 fabulousfavours.co.uk

Personalised redwine from £16.99thegiftexperience.co.uk

Pressed hearts from £65Bronwen Tyler-Jones 01432 277726

Cufflinks £19Henryka, Widemarsh Street,01432 342144 or henryka.co.uk

Pewter cufflinks £15 for one pair,£70 for five thebridalgiftbox.co.uk

Personalised flaskfrom £25.99thegiftexperience.co.uk

Personalised silver slinkybracelet £59 lilybelle.co.uk

Personalised silver andgem initial necklace £29lilybelle.co.uk

Best man cufflinks £20.99thegiftexperience.co.uk

Stud earrings£8Henryka,Widemarsh Street,01432 342144 orhenryka.co.uk

Drop earrings £21Henryka,Widemarsh Street, 01432342144 or henryka.co.uk

For the bridesmaids

Etched hearts from £85Bronwen Tyler-Jones,01432 277726

Personalised initial charmbangle £40 lilybelle.co.uk

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18 societymagazine.co.uk Hen nights

Sayinggoodbye tothe singlelife is a bigmoment, andevery bride-to-be wantsto do it instyle with ahen nightthat ticks allthe boxes,but doesn’tdescend intothe kind ofmayhemtheir otherhalves (sorumour hasit) ‘enjoy’.Following afew simplerules willensure thatyou have thetime of yourlife, a nightor weekendto remember– for all theright reasons!

How to get the

Rule 1 Put the right person incharge, and let her get on with itTo make sure your hen night/weekend goeswithout a hitch, you need to have the mostorganised person you know running it. You needto trust her to do what you’ve said you want,rather than taking a different route, or throwingin any unpleasant surprises. Your head henhoncho will probably need some help, but don’tlet everyone get involved. Two assistant managersare more than enough.

Rule 2 Get the guest list rightIf you thought the wedding invitation list wastricky, the hen night may well be just as big achallenge. The best advice is to invite only thepeople you really want there. Decide if it’s bestfriends only, or best friends and family (in-lawsincluded), or even everyone you know. The hen

night can be when some long-lasting friendshipsbegin to crack and other old bonds become evenstronger. It’s your night – if there’s someone you’drather didn’t come, stand firm.

Rule 3 Get the venue rightMake it somewhere memorable, but be guided bywhat the bride likes. Choose somewhere everyonecan get to easily and won’t prove prohibitivelyexpensive for some. And make it somewhere youhaven’t been before, somewhere exciting and new,but not intimidating or uncomfortable. Check it outfirst and plan ahead. Leaving it to the last minutecould result in huge disappointment – book thevenue three months ahead.

Rule 4 Get the date rightSorting out the guest list and choosing a dateneed to go hand in hand. Plumping for a particularweekend in May only to discover that the chief

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‘It was such a giggle’ Three great hen parties

Sarah BrowneAs I’m not a big drinkeror party animal, weopted for a longweekend at CenterParcs, Longleat,(centerparcs.co.uk) andit turned out to be theperfect way to spendmy hen weekend –plenty of chilling out,pampering, watchingchick flicks, andspending time with mygirlies… a greatsend-off into marriedlife! Over the course ofthe weekend, eight ofus enjoyed a variety ofactivities, includingwalking, swimmingand, as it was July, abarbecue, which wasgreat fun! We alsowent out for a mealand some drinks onenight in the resort, soas well as chilling outwe were able to get alldolled up in our littleblack dresses too! Mysisters had kindlyarranged a choice ofgreat hen party gamesto play on the firstnight, including ‘Mrand Mrs’… It was sucha giggle!

Emma MaggsOne of the hardestdecisions was decidingwhere to go but aftermuch deliberation wefinally decided on aweekend in Cardiff. Itwas close, easy foreveryone to travel to,had great shops andhopefully brilliantnightlife. FortunatelyCardiff didn’t let usdown. We had afantastic time andstayed at the veryspacious HollandHouse Hotel(mercure.com) andSpa on Newport Road.On Friday evening wewent to Cardiff Bayand had an enjoyablemeal in Wagamama.After a day ofshopping till we weredropping on Saturday,my hens treated me toa massage in the spaand then presentedme with a pair of fairywings for the evening– thankfully they wereall wearing wings too!We headed straightfor cocktails and tapasin Pica Pica and thendanced the night awayin Tiger Tiger. OnSunday there wastime for another spotof shopping to roundoff a magicalweekend.

Jess ProbertWhen I got marriedlast year, I was sostressed out withwedding plans that all Iwanted was a breakcome my hen-do.Luckily, I couldn’t haveasked for more frommy three closestgirlfriends, whoorganised everythingand didn’t even tell mewhere we were goinguntil we arrived at theCheltenham ChaseHotel (qhotels.co.uk). Itwas a great choice as itwas easy for everyoneto get to and greatvalue for money. Ten ofus had a deliciousdinner followed bysome enthusiasticclubbing, with twomuch-needed and verywelcome treatments inthe spa the followingday, all for £120 each.But what made it reallyspecial was the partygames beforehand, thepersonalised sashesand pens, and a totallyunexpected surprisevisit from a friend wholives abroad. It reallywas a weekend toremember, made allthe better by oursurroundings and thestaff – who were just ashelpful during a ratherweepy, 3am, ‘I’ve lostmy camera’ drama asthey were providing anelegant and welcomingatmosphere duringdaylight hours.Perfect...

hen night right

Whatever you’ve gotin mind for your hennight, planning is all.

bridesmaid and bride’s best friend can’t make itisn’t a recipe for a successful hen night. If you’restaying in the UK, you’ll need to make yourbooking at least three months in advance, and ifyou’re heading for foreign parts you’ll need toallow twice that.

Rule 5 Get the budget rightBefore you embark on an ambitious plan thatincludes three meals out, a day at the spa, ashow and a couple of hours’ shopping, make sureeveryone can afford it. Ask all the hens whatthey’re comfortable spending, plan accordinglyand don’t be tempted to go overboard. Everytime you think, oh it’s only another £20, you’reblowing a hole in someone’s carefully organisedfinances. No one wants to be a party-pooper, butcreating stress about how much it’s all costingcan put a serious dent in the fun.Party accessories: page 20

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20 societymagazine.co.uk Hen nights

I’m Getting Hitched t-shirt£8.95 thebridalgiftbox.co.uk

Personalised hen night shotglasses £40 for 10, £7 eachthebridalgiftbox.co.uk

Furry fairy wings £4.99fairygoodies.co.uk

Fuchsia hen nightphoto album £7.95thelastdetail.co.uk

Personalisedmessageplate for guests to sign£27 thebridalgiftbox.co.uk

Fun sash for the bride-to-be£10 thebridalgiftbox.co.uk

Hen night daisy balloons£3.99 (pack of five)hennighthq.co.uk

Champagne bottle blowing bubbles£9.45 (pack of 24) 38p singlehennightparty.co.uk

No hen night would be complete without a bit of dressing up andsome lovely bits and pieces, so we’ve found a selection of hen nightaccessories for your mother hen to put on the shopping list

You’ll need somefurry fairy wings...

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22 societymagazine.co.uk Close romance

Mary Faulkner was just 15, aprobationer earning 12/6d (62p) atthe post office in Broad Street,when she met Stanley Cound,who was three years older, and

worked at the repeater station in High Town.“There used to be an entrance between the Post

Office and the side of the church and we bumpedinto one another,” Mary recalls. “He always said Iapologised so nicely he thought he’d like to get toknowme.”But Mary’s mother wasn’t so keen: “She thought

I was too young to have a boyfriend, so I told StanI couldn’t see him any more because in those daysyou respected what your parents said.”Happily, the couple revived their relationship

six months later, but didn’t marry until 1943, justbefore Stanley was posted overseas. “He wantedto make sure I’d have a widow’s pension ifanything happened to him.”The wedding took place at Holy Trinity Church

on September 18, 1943, with the reception at theImperial Hotel in Widemarsh Street.“We had a glass of sherry, soup,

chicken and trifle for £1 a head,and Peggy and Jack Jones hadput the red carpet out on thepavement for us,” says Mary,who returned to theImperial 50 years later forthe couple’s goldenwedding celebrations. “Wehad exactly the same menu, but50 years on it cost us £20 a head.”Earlier that day, the couple had

also dropped in at HolyTrinity Church for anostalgic visit, and ablessing wasarranged whentheir reason forbeing there wasdiscovered. “As

we left, there was a lovely bouquet waiting forme,” says Mary, with obvious delight.After their wedding, Mary and Stan hotfooted it

to the station to catch the 4.30 train to Blackpool,where they enjoyed a week of dancing andshows before Stan had to get back to Catterickbarracks in Yorkshire.“We left Blackpool on the Saturday, but we

should have left on Friday and we found the RedCaps [military police] waiting for him at CreweStation,” Mary recalls. “We told them he wascoming back off his honeymoon, but they werehard-hearted and he lost pay for being late back.”The honeymoon was the last time Mary saw

Stan until he came home on leave in April 1945,and on his death in 1993 she found his diary forthe year, with the date of his return circledrepeatedly.Mary continued to work at the post office until

1949, and gave birth to the couple’s firstdaughter, Angela, the following year, with Juliaarriving in 1953. “They’re both August babies,”says Mary. “We used to have a week in Londonevery November. We’d go and see all the shows

and I bought my winter coat and shoes.”While Stan remained with the post office,going on to run the repeater station in itsnew location in Friar Street, Mary, afterraising her daughters, joined Hartwell asa receptionist, finally leaving when sheturned 80.Now 90, Mary finds herself living in a

very different world: “I’m glad I’ve livedwhen I have,” she says. “There was

more give and take.”

Mary Cound today, left,and right with her latehusband Stan on theirwedding day and attheir golden weddingcelebrations.

MARY COUND IS JUSTONE OF MANYHEREFORD RESIDENTSWITH MEMORIES OFTHE CLOSE WHO HAVECONTRIBUTED TO ADVD, THE CLOSE INLIVING MEMORY,RELEASED INCONJUNCTION WITHTHE CATHEDRAL CLOSEREDEVELOPMENTPROJECT.

Love at thecathedralThe cathedral close has been the backdrop to Hereford’s history forhundreds of years, the tranquil heart of the city, bearing witness to thelife of its residents – and in one case, becoming the meeting place for ayoung couple who would go on to have a happy and enduring marriage

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Happilyever after

Everyone longs for a little, or even a lot of romancein their lives, but for one successful Herefordshirewriter, every day holds the promise of romance.

Philippa May talks to Victoria Routledge, winner oflast year’s Romantic Novel of the Year, who is

always writing her way to a happy ending

omantic novels,” says VictoriaRoutledge, who writes as LucyDillon, “get to the heart ofwhat life is about on a dailybasis, but in a positive, life-

affirming kind of way. I write the books I liketo read. Writing romance is a nice place to bebecause you are always building towards ahappy ending.”Victoria was a junior editor working for

publisher Headline when she decided to makewriting her full-time career. “I was sending outcheques that represented 18 months’ salary forme, and decided to give it a try.”Victoria’s experience of romance isn’t,

however, restricted to the pages of her novelsand, prompted to recall the most romanticepisode in her own life, she chooses the timethat she booked a Valentine’s weekend awaywith her boyfriend.“Soon after we started seeing each other I

booked a Valentine’s weekend in Dublin,” sheremembers. “I was only 23 and very proud ofmyself for having organised it all. We’d justarrived at the hotel when a florist knocked onthe door with a bouquet of white roses. Heknew all along where we were going but didn’tlet on, and arranged a surprise of his own!“When it comes to proposals, though, the

most romantic one I’ve ever heard of is whenmy best friend proposed to her girlfriend byputting a little pendant made of two halves

‘‘R

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‘If he’s kindbut firmwithdogs, it’s agood sign,and amanwith aspaniel isirresistible’

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of a shell into a bottle of sand and pretendingto find it in a rock pool and persuading her toempty it.”Romance is alive and well, especially in

Victoria’s fictional world – her third Lucy Dillonnovel,Walking Back to Happiness, was publishedat the end of last year and this month sees thedeadline for delivery of her fourth — but shebelieves it is under threat from another quarter.“I do think romance is in danger of being lost in

the world of Facebook, where everybody knowseverything about everybody else,” she says. “Forromance to survive, there has to be an element ofmystery. Knowing everything about each other isreally not conducive to romance.”But what is romance? That, says Victoria, is

easy: “It’s that sense of being with someone whomakes you feel a better person, makes everythingshine more brightly and makes the world feel ahappier place when you are with them. It’s thesensation of being lifted beyond the everyday,beyond the mundane, though obviously theromance rush changes as you grow older.”When it comes to what makes a great romantic

hero, Victoria is clear that there is one thing heshouldn’t be: “I think expecting your man to beyour best friend isn’t a sexy thing. Your bestfriend is there to be your best friend. Men mustbe very confused,” she declares, while addingthat there are, however, “Some female attributesit is good for a man to have, like being able tocook and iron.”Aman’s relationship with dogs can speak

volumes, too: “If he’s kind but firmwith dogs, it’s agood sign, and amanwith a spaniel is irresistible.”Masculinity is key – “Who wouldn’t admit that

the moment they start to fancy Colin Firth in

Bridget Jones’s Diary is the moment he gets thebetter of Hugh Grant as he stands up for hiswoman?But there is such a thing as a romantic hero

who’s a bit too masculine and Victoria rules outtwo famous leading men in literature: “Heathcliffis too extreme and probably a bit too difficult tohandle, while Mr Knightley (from Jane Austen’sEmma) “would be a bit dull.”Her favourite is a little more contemporary:

“My favourite hero in a romantic novel is Lukein Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes. He’s a verysexy Irish bloke living in London. He wearsleather trousers, loves Led Zeppelin and comesacross as quite rugged, but he’s very tender andcaring at the same time as being very masculine.”Romance, in Victoria’s experience, is not limited

just to relationships. Originally from Cumbria,Victoria has also discovered the romance in hernew home county. “I arrived in Herefordshire bychance, when I was lent a house in Much Marcleto finish a book that was giving me a hard time,”she says. “I just loved it so much that I stayedand realised that I’m destined to live inHerefordshire forever.”If rumours that Prince William and Kate

Middleton are to make Harewood End theirhome are proved true, Victoria can see theappeal. “There’s something quite intimate andhidden about Herefordshire, and it’s a veryromantic place in the way it depends so much onthe cycle of the seasons and bountiful harvests.“Ultimately,” Victoria says, “the key to being a

romantic is to see the little things in life that liftyour heart like watching apple orchards changewith the seasons and having a man who bringsyou a cup of tea in the morning.”

Books of love Victoria’s top five romantic novels

The Forsyte Sagaby John GalsworthyI love the slowbuilding of Jolyon andIrene’s love in this, andthe realistic waythey’re forced toadapt to what lifethrows at them, untilthey finally find eachother. It’s a grown-uplove, not a sugaryquick-fix romance.

Rachel’s Holidayby Marian KeyesLuke is such asmouldering modernhero – all man in hisleather trousers, butprepared to go outinto the New Yorksnow for Lemsip whenhis lady has flu.

Last Letter from YourLover by Jojo MoyesWhat could be moreintriguing andheartbreaking thandiscovering someoneelse’s love letters?This moves betweenMad Men-era London,and the modern day,and made meabsolutely yearn to bein the novel.

The Colours of Snowby Kate FentonA perfect winter read.Ned, the bear-like heroof this novel, meltedmy heart like the snowon the Yorkshire Dales,where it’s set. Agorgeous, romantictale about a womanputting her life slowlyback together.

Gone with theWindby Margaret MitchellI love to get lost in thisnovel. It has thosemagnificent, reader-exhausting peaks ofemotion you can onlyget by whipping thingsup to an absolutefrenzy of burninghouses and marchingsoldiers and dressesmade of curtains.

Lucy Dillon’s third novelwas published at theend of last year.

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28 societymagazine.co.uk Music

The best advice I can give is that thereis nothing wrong with the oldfavourites – you don’t need to beoriginal, clever or different. If you’renot sure, you won’t go wrong

walking in to the church to Wagner’s BridalChorus (Here Comes the Bride) and going out totheMendelssohn Wedding March. Both of thesewill work well on most organs, andmore importantly, most organistswill be able to play them.If you’d like to be a bit more

ambitious, go to a service to get ataste of the music and have a chatto the organist – most will berealistic about their capabilities andwill be able to tell you what they(and the organ) can and can’t do.Once you’ve chosen your music I’d

recommend practising the bridal processionwith a recording of the music - you may besurprised by how short the music needs to be.Don’t choose something soft or serious to

come into – it simply doesn’t work. Some bridescome in to a hymn, which works well, but makeit a rousing hymn. Hymns can be a problem

nowadays because people no longer learn theold favourites as they used to at school. You willknow your friends and relatives, so choose thehymns to suit them.Hymns with a clear rhythm are the ones that

work best. A church resounding to acongregation belting out Praise My Soul the Kingof Heavenwill sound a great deal happier than

one in which the congregation faltersits way through something without aclear rhythm, like the popular, butrarely successful,Make Me a Channelof Your Peace.You will need to choose music for

the signing of the registers – aboutfive minutes (unless yourphotographer gets out of control).You might consider having a soloist

(instrumental or vocal) for this or the organistcan play something. A choir is a good addition,but it is increasingly difficult to put churchchoirs together on Saturdays – a professionalchoir will cost about £600 but will certainlydeliver the goods.For more information and recommendations, visitThe Royal School of Church Music at rscm.com.

The soundtrack

Don’t choosesomethingthat’s soft orserious – itdoesn’t work

Music maynot be thefirst thingyou think ofas you startplanning yourwedding, butit will be athemethroughout,so it’s worthgiving itsome carefulthought toensure thatwhat youchoose fitsyour specialday perfectly.If you’regettingmarried inchurch, thereare plenty ofopportunitiesfor music toset the mood.We askedStewartTaylor,director ofmusic at HolyTrinityChurch, forhis advice ongetting itright

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societymagazine.co.uk Music 29

Nicholas CraddockHerefordshire estateagent and charityfund-raiser Nicholas ismarried to Jo. He said:“July 28 1986 was thehottest day of thatyear, so prancingaround in a morningsuit at St Michael’sChurch in Lyonshallwas a pretty hot affair.But following myfantastic weddingspeech, in which I said,‘I was told to look atthe mother beforemarrying the daughter– but I decided tomarry her anyway’, itwas probably mymother-in-law thatwas hot and seeingred. Anyway, theubiquitous first dancein a lovely, marquee-lined barn saw Jo and Iromancing to Lady inRed by Chris de Burgh,which was releasedthat year and was aparticular favourite ofmine. Was James Blunteven born by then?”

Quentin LettsQuentin is a journalist,broadcaster andauthor. “My wife Loisand I didn't have anydancing at our August1996 wedding but wedid have a small brassband which played thenational anthem. Myguests – whichincluded some of FleetStreet’s moreprominent republicans– all sang along withgusto. Champagne isgreat for looseningthe larynx.”

Mel McGeeThe entrepreneur andauthor marriedhusband Terry in theirhome village of King’sThorn. “We couldn't

agree on what was ‘oursong’ (not a goodstart!) so decided toopt for the classicMoon River. It was agood fit for thetraditional churchwedding we hadfollowed by a marqueereception in thevillage and the lyricshave a specialmeaning for us.”

Sarah VeallSarah married Waynein 2005 at ComlongonCastle, Clarencefield,Dumfries, and the songthat kicked off thedancing at theirreception is one thatregularly features inthe top 10 of firstdance tracks. “Oursong – and it soundsreally clichéd – wasAngels by Robbie. Dull,dull, dull, I hear youcry! Well yes, by thetime we got married, itwas. But Wayneactually bought LifeThru a Lens when it

first came out andplayed me Angels as wewere sitting in his caron about our fifthdate... so it kind ofmeans a lot.”

Es JohnEs is marrying PaulFeatherby on October29, and the couplehave already decidedwhat will open thedancing. “As we aregetting married on theweekend of Halloween,we thought it would begreat fun to dosomething reallydifferent – so we'vepicked Thriller byMichael Jackson,” saysEs. “We’re doing it as asurprise and haveroped in a few of ourclosest friends – alongwith my bridesmaidand the best man, ofcourse – to do thedance routine with us.It should be brilliantand we’ve already goteveryone practisingtheir moves.”

I’m Yours Jason MrazGreatest Day Take ThatDon’t Want to Miss a Thing AerosmithTake My Breath Away BerlinEndless Love Diana Ross and Lionel RichieCan’t Help Falling in Love Elvis PresleyThe Power of Love Jennifer RushI’ve Had the Time of My Life Bill Medley andJennifer WarnesBetter Together Jack JohnsonIt Had to Be You Harry Connick JrYou’re the One that I Want John Travolta and

Olivia Newton-John from GreaseSomewhere Only We Know KeaneLoving You Minnie RippertonThe First Time Ever I Saw Your FaceRoberta FlackAngels Robbie WilliamsFrom this Moment Shania TwainMy Baby Just Cares for Me Nina SimoneTruly Madly Deeply Savage GardenHave I Told You Lately? Van MorrisonEvery Time That You Walk in the RoomJackie de Shannon

to your weddingThey’re playing our songWhat we chose for our first dance

Songs for the lovers Twenty classic first-dance numbersWith hundreds of great tracks to choose from, and music being so personal, it’s impossible tocompile a definitive ‘top of the first dances’, but here are 20 that are definite contenders

Five people recall the musical moment they’ll remember for the rest of their lives

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30 societymagazine.co.uk Borderlines

Screenromance

Love on the big screen is larger than life and often

twice as perfect. Borderlines’ Jo Comino looks at the

romance the festival has brought us over theyears

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societymagazine.co.uk Borderlines 31

From the first screen kiss in 1896,cinema has always had asymbiotic relationship with loveand marriage. Sitting in closeproximity on a first date in a

darkened room, unobserved andhalf-distracted by the seething passionsprojected overhead, provides the perfecthotbed for love or even temporaryinfatuation. Meanwhile, up on screen,insurmountable obstacles are overcome,false trails followed, rules made andbroken, before the path of romance leadssurely but bumpily to resolution and acertain clinch.Every spring, Borderlines Film Festival,

with its own special blend of new releases,world cinema, British film and classics,offers Herefordshire’s cinema-going publica unique take on romance: love andmarriage with a twist.

Highlights over the years have includedBrokeback Mountain, revealing theforbidden and highly private love affairbetween two cowboys; the tempestuouslyenjoyable seduction parody Vicky CristinaBarcelona, and The Reader, in which ateenage boy’s formative affair with anolder woman (an Oscar-winningperformance from Kate Winslet) is turnedon its head when he discovers her SS past.Not to be outdone, the 2011 Borderlines

quest for romance touches 1940s Cuba, thedivergent cultures of Salford and Pakistanin the 1970s, pre-war Budapest (courtesy ofHollywood) and the out-of-time limbo ofKazuo Ishiguro’s novel, Never Let Me Go.The latter hinges on a love triangle

between Kathy, Ruth and Tommy, whohave grown up together in a strangeboarding school that is training them for avery particular destiny. As they grow

Above: Brokeback Mountain, Never Let MeGo.

Below:West is West, The Shop Around the Corner.

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32 societymagazine.co.uk Borderlines

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older, pressures pull them apart and, likesome mediaeval chivalry tale, it’s only purelove that will stand the test.A very different pace, set to jazz rhythms,comes when piano player Chico falls

smoulderingly in love with singer Rita in1948 Havana. Fame and fortune inNew York threaten to separate thecouple but the difference is thatChico and Rita is a hand-drawnanimated film, full of passion,colour and vibrant music.West is West, the sequel to the

mixed–race hit comedy East is East,presents a portrait of two extremes ofmarriage. Beleaguered father George sets offon a return visit to Pakistan with hisrecalcitrant youngest son. He finds his roots,his first wife and his farm, much more thanhe bargained for and in the ensuing cultureclash, it’s his English wife Ella who flies outto reclaim him.

Perhaps the ultimate treat is the 1930sromantic comedy The Shop Around theCorner. Margaret Sullavan and JamesStewart star as two assistants in a Budapestdepartment store who bicker in the run-upto Christmas, unaware that out of hours

they’re engaged in an anonymous butintensely amorous correspondencewith one another. The truth unravelsin a delightfully witty way but notbefore the lady has made a thoroughappraisal of her lover’s legs.Borderlines Film Festival runs fromFriday, March 25 to Sunday, April 10, with

180 screenings in 36 venues, including TheCourtyard and village and market townvenues throughout Herefordshire,Shropshire and the Marches. Whilepromising a special ‘Made inHerefordshire’ season, this year’s festivaloffers romantic excursions to some veryuncommon places.

Below:West is West, The Shop Around the Corner.

Above: The Reader, Chico and Rita, Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

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societymagazine.co.uk I wish I’d... 35

Here’s wishingyou a perfect day

I wish I’d...had my own dress rehearsalA wedding day isn’t the day to experiment with anew hairstyle or make-up. If you’re tryingsomething new, try it a few weeks ahead and takea photo (with your veil on wearing your dress) sothat you can see how you look.

I wish I’d...taken more time off beforehandThere’s no beauty substitute for a few good nights’sleep, some healthy eating, and a little relaxationin the days before the wedding. Make a point ofgetting some early nights, eating a balanced dietrich in fruit and vegetables (good for your skin, andto fight off bugs that lay you low), and – ideally inthe days before your wedding – taking a couple ofdays off work to really relax, enjoy a spa treat withyour pals, or go out to lunch with your partner. Itcan transform how you feel on the day.

I wish I...hadn’t been so rushed on the morningWhen you wake up on the big day it’s not the timefor rushing around checking everything’s done.Enjoy some quiet contemplation, eat a healthybreakfast, soak in a long bath, and take time toenjoy putting on your make-up and your dress.

I wish I’d...had some time alone with mypartner on the dayHave a few quiet minutes together after thewedding ceremony and before the hubbub of thereception. And make sure it’s not just the firstdance you have together.

I wish I...had more photos of our friendsMake sure the photographer knows youwant some official snaps with your best

mates. And leave a disposable camera on eachtable at the reception so that guests canphotograph each other.

I wish I’d...had time to say hello to everyoneThe best time to do this is at the end of thewedding breakfast/buffet. Take 30 minutes or soto circulate with your partner, dropping by eachtable in turn.

I wish I’d...danced with my dadThe day will pass in a flash, and there may be veryspecial guests who don’t get the attention you hadhoped to give them. This is where a goodbridesmaid comes into her own – give her a list ofpeople you want to see or dance with, so she canseek them out for you throughout the day.

You only have one chance to get itright, so take note of some words ofwisdom from brides who’ve been there,to help make your day perfect

‘Take time to enjoyputting on yourmake-up and dress’ W

ORDS:

JENNYHULM

E

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fashion&beauty

Bride and beautiful 38-42

Left to right: Orchid Floral skirt with pleated bodice, Justin AlexanderSignature fromWhite Minx. James suit, waistcoat and cravat, Bill Child FormalWear. Jo Taffeta gown with applique, Veromia at Ashton Rose. Jade Satin withcrystal beaded straps, Tia Bridal at Benjamin Roberts from Lily Oliver.Hannah Taffeta with Swarowski crystal detail, Veromia from Ashton Rose.

PICTURES:JAY

WATSO

NAT

ALLSEEIN

GEYE

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38 societymagazine.co.uk Fashion and beauty

Jade wears tulle dress withSwarowski crystals by AllureBridal from Lily Oliver. Silver anddiamond earrings: £220, Sue Lane.Bouquet: The Hibiscus Rooms.

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Orchid wears silkchiffon vintage dress byJustin Alexander withNew York maribou bySasso, fromWhite Minx.

societymagazine.co.uk Fashion and beauty 39

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Hannah wearsvintage lace dressby MadelineGardner NY fromLily Oliver.

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Orchid wearsFlowerbombwedding dress byIan Stuart fromWhite Minx.

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Jo wears Sonsie by Veromia,taffeta and twinkle tulle withappliqué embroidery andbeading from Ashton Rose.Earrings £55 and necklace£400, from Sue Lane.

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Hair Up isn’t the only wayThe first thing manybrides-to-be do themoment the date ofthe wedding has beenset is start growingtheir hair to enablethem to have astunning up-do on thebig day. But it’s worthtaking a little time outto do some researchbefore you decide thatthe only way is up.Keith at One St Peter’sSquare shares his hairexpertise:

Talk to yourhairdresser about whatwill suit you and, moreimportantly, what’spossible with your hair.Finding a style thatlasts throughout a longand exciting day can betricky. Keeping hairdown but beautifullystyled might prove lessstressful.

Invest in lots ofmagazines or do plenty

of research online, andcompile a wishlist ofwedding styles

Take advice fromfriends and family.

Book a ‘wedding hairtrial’ appointment, andremember to take apicture of your dress aswell as your style file.

Think about hairaccessories, too. Haveyou always dreamedof wearing a tiara asyou walk down theaisle or do you want tokeep it simple?

Cut, colour or permhair at least two orthree weeks ahead ofthe wedding. Giveyourself time to ironout any problems.

Make sure, at thetrial session, thatyou’ve checked yourhair from every angle.You don’t want thefront looking fab andthe back looking bad!

Every bride wants tolook her absolute beston her wedding day,and most will decide toembark on a strictbeauty regime fromthe moment they’veaccepted the proposal.From the top of hergloriously conditionedhead to the tips of herperfectly manicuredtoes, not a thing willescape the bride-to-be’s scrutiny. Tanya andAnnabel at Hereford’sCrystal Health andBeauty offer somevaluable advice.

To ensure hair andskin are in tip-topcondition, introducehealthy eating andregular exercise intoyour schedule. You’llsoon see the benefits.

Visit a beautician foradvice on your skin –they can answer allyour questions andoffer solutions to anyproblems you have,and book yourself apre-wedding facial.

If you’re thinking ofusing a professional

make-up artist, it’s agood idea to book atleast four monthsahead of the wedding.As with your hair, makesure you have a trialappointment, andcollect plenty ofpictures, too.

When you’replanning colours, havea piece of your dressfabric, or somethingthe same colour, todrape around yourneck. It’s a good idea totake photos, too.

Remember – theidea is to look like you,but with added glow,so avoid anything toodramatic or extreme.

Eye make-upmust be smudge-proofand waterproof – nofears then when tearsare shed.

For staying power,apply lipstick with alip brush.

Don’t forgethands and nails –moisturise every nightand choose a goodchip-resistant nailpolish for the big day.

Beauty Time to get healthy

Menswear from Bill Child Formal Wear, King Street, 01432 344700Bouquet from The Hibiscus Room, Widemarsh Street, 01432 27097018k gold cufflinks, £600, silver necklace, £400, and earrings, £55,18k white and yellow gold ring with 25pt diamond, £2,900, all SueLane Contemporary Jewellery, 01885 488836.With thanks to Castle House Hotel for their hospitality. 01432 356321PICTURES: JAY WATSON AT ALL SEEING EYE. 01432 347979.ALLSEEINGEYE.UK.COM

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46 societymagazine.co.uk Pagan wedding

Tying the knotThat’s just what Ben and Natalie did when they got married pagan-style.Philippa May finds out about their Halloween handfasting ceremony

Ben Dew and Natalie Morgan at their pagan wedding. Left: the couple get ready to tie the knot – literally.

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societymagazine.co.uk Pagan wedding 47

For some couples, tying the knot is morethan just another way of saying they’regetting married. For these couples, likeNatalie Morgan and Ben Dew, whochoose a handfasting ceremony to

celebrate their commitment, tying the knot is justthat, as they have their hands tied with a redribbon to symbolise desire, vitality and their lovefor each other.Family and friends joined Natalie and

Ben on Halloween as they tied the knotinside a circle of salt for protection andjumped the besom, another significantelement of a handfasting ceremony. Butthe couple didn’t entirely omit whatothers would perceive as moretraditional ceremonies – Natalie’sfather Terry and her twin sisterNatasha escorted her down the aisleand the couple’s pet dogs carriedthe rings they exchanged. Each ofthem also wrote personal vows whichthey read to each other.The ceremony, which took place at

the Phoenix Theatre, where Natalieis resident costume designer andBen has worked on sound, wasconducted by interfaith ministerRev Jane Coulthard.Natalie became interested in

paganism as a 14-year-old. “Ilost two members of myfamily and felt I needed tofind a religion for myself,”she explains.

“I like the amount of freedom it allows you –there are a lot of rules with other religions.Paganism is quite free and allows you to believea lot of things.”Although Natalie and Ben met when she was at

sixth form college, they didn’t get together untilthree years later, and, appropriately perhaps, itwas after he’d had a heart operation that Ben

proposed. “When he asked me Ithought he was joking,” Natalieremembers.“I told him he would have to getdown on one knee, so he did, buthe was in so much pain that hecouldn’t get back up again.“He’s not very religious, but hewas happy to have ahandfasting,” she says. “Heknew it was important to me.”Handfasting, traditionally,

was the test of a couple whowanted to be seen as man andwife - if they stayed togetherfor a year and a day, theywould then be recognised asman and wife.As it is not a legally

recognised ceremony, Natalie andBen will also be getting marriedmore conventionally in a registeroffice a year and a day after theirhandfasting, but for now there’sstill the honeymoon to plan. “I’dlike to go to Paris,” says Natalie. “Itwould be so romantic.”

‘There are a lot of ruleswith other religions.Paganism is quite freeand lets you believe alot of things’

Natalie with herbridesmaids,left, and Benwith his ushers,above.

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food&drink

The icing on the cake 52 Sparkling choice 54

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Mother and daughterSarah and Sheila Hitchon ofspecialist cake makers Special-ice.PICTURES: JAMES MAGGS

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societymagazine.co.uk Cakes 53

The cake has been central to a weddingsince the middle ages, but in its currentform – multi-tiered and lavishly,individually decorated – it can bedated back to Queen Victoria.

Just as she is held responsible for the rise inpopularity of white wedding dresses, theincreasing popularity of the high-rise cake is alsoput down to the longest reigning queen.When Victoria herself married Albert in 1804 she

had a single cake, although it did weigh 300lbsand measure nine feet around. The icing used tomake the cake was white and has beenknown ever since as ‘royal’ icing. Eighteenyears later, when her eldest daughtermarried, cakes had grown upwards –the Queen Mother’s 1923 cakestood nine foot tall – andincorporated elements ofVictorian architecture, withdoors, pillars and arches allmade of icing.In recent years, however, as

Sarah and Sheila Hitchon ofSpecial-ice near Ledburyreport, the traditionalwedding cake hasevolved into a highlypersonal statementcreation, with noticeabletrends appearing.“There’s a move towards vintage cakes,” says

Sarah, while Sheila adds: “The bride and groomhave reappeared on top of cakes. They used to beconsidered really naff, but now they’re back.”In fact, one of the biggest decorating challenges

the pair have faced is making icing ‘mini-me’s ofthe bride and groom, getting everything from thedress to the couple’s eye colour exactly right.However, some couples have eschewed puttingthemselves on the top tier and instead opted for,in one case, a pair of cows (the couple were bothvets) or dogs.From their purpose-built kitchen/studio, Sarah

and Sheila last year produced more than 50stunning cakes – “Not quite one a week, but

during the summer we made three a week, whichis as many as we can realistically manage.”This year, however, there’s a very special cake to

be made, and, like almost every other bride-to-be,Sarah Hitchon doesn’t know exactly what she’dlike for her June wedding.“One tier will be a fruit cake, because that’s

traditional and I like that,”she says, “but we’rethinking about a lemon cake too.” Because, ofcourse, that’s something else that’s changed aboutthe contemporary wedding cake – they’re not allmade of fruit and not every top tier is saved for

the christening of the first baby. “We makesponge cakes, fruit cakes, chocolate cakes,

carrot cakes and, of course, cup cakes.“Fruit cakes are the easiest to ice,because they’re the firmest. One ofthe biggest nightmares we have iswhen a bride specifies ‘very thinicing’ on a sponge cake,because it has to be totallysmooth and if it’s too thinthe buttercream filling willbe visible.”

Sheila and Sarah, whohave worked togetherfor the past three years,understand howimportant it is to get thecake right, and they arehappy to spend as long

as necessary with bride and groom to ensure thecake they envisage is the cake they get.“Some people come with a picture, some people

come and spend ages browsing through ourportfolio of cakes and some don’t have a clue, “says Sarah.One especially undecided customer finally

pleaded with them: “Do you do surprises?” Theydon’t! “Our job is to interpret people’s ideas, togive them the cake they have in their mind’seye,” they explain. “And we hope they smilewhen they see it.”Find out more about Sarah and Sheila’s cakesat special-ice.co.uk, call them on 01531 650282 or07817 553825, or e-mail [email protected].

It’s the centrepiece of the wedding feast, but how did thetraditional multi-tiered creation come about? And howcan youmake it just right for you? Philippa May finds out

Above and right: a selection of the stunningwedding cakes produced by Special-ice.

The icingon the cake

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To ensure your wedding is perfect, everything has to be just right,and that includes what you serve in a glass.William Hutchings ofThe Bell at Skenfrith, winner of the Condé Nast Johansens ChampagneTaittinger Wine List award, offers advice on choosing the right bubbly

efore you start thinking about whatyou’ll serve, you need to think aboutsetting a budget, as thirsty friendsand relatives can make a large dentin even the deepest pockets.

Budget set, the fun can start with the tastetest. Champagne is the glass of choice. The bigbrands, like Pol Roger, bring consistency, butdon’t be afraid to seek out the less well-knowngrower champagnes, which can give equalquality and potentially better value. Myfavourite among these is Gosset.If the budget cannot stretch to champagne,

then a good-quality sparkling wine is a greatsubstitute. The Tasmanian Jansz sparklingfrom the team at Louis Roederer made in theméthode champenoise is delicious andProsecco should not be discounted – the VinceToffoli consistently delivers. It is also worthseeking out cava from Spain, which alwaysdelivers fantastic value.Trust your taste buds. After all, the most

important person is you. If you enjoy it, youcan bet that your guests will too.Once chosen, it is worth checking if your

champagne can be supplied in a large bottleformat. Magnums are the perfect size. Theylook impressive and hold twice as much as abottle, so waiting staff can top up for twice aslong – a consideration in a packed venue.I have served jeroboams (four bottles) at

weddings, which are hugely impressive, butyou won’t make any friends among thewaiting staff. Carrying and pouring from thisformat requires real stamina.It can also be fun to tie the fizz into the

theme. Pomegranate seeds are readilyavailable and a few in the bottom of the glassbring a splash of colour and theatre, as well asa smile to everyone’s face. For added sparkle,sprinkle a few edible gold stars intoeverybody’s glass.Now all that’s left is to raise a glass and toast

the happy couple on their special day.

B

‘Trust your taste buds.After all, themostimportant person is you.If you enjoy it, you canbet your guests will’

A sparkling choice

PICTURE:JO

ANNAWAR

D

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homes&gardens

We’d love oneof these 63

Sofa so good:Essentials for yournew home together 62

Where will yousay ‘I do’? 60

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60 societymagazine.co.uk Venues

The proposal has been accepted, a date set and it’s time to make one ofthe biggest decisions about your big day – where will you say ‘I do’? If achurch wedding is not for you andmaking your vows in the registeroffice seems a little unexciting, where else can you exchange your vowsand celebrate your marriage in fabulous style? Herefordshire is blessedwith a wealth of beautiful properties, many of them approved forweddings. We offer a taste of what’s available with five of the best

Hampton Court, one of England’s best-preserved castles, stands on the meadows ofthe river Lugg, backed by a steep woodedescarpment and surrounded by woodland andgrounds of 1,000 acres. Founded by King Henryin the early 15th century the castle has beencompletely restored in recent years, includingthe now-stunning gardens, which featureimaginative planting schemes, a beautiful maze

and magical waterfall. The castle has sixdifferent areas that can be used for weddings,including the authentic mediaeval Chapel andthe outdoor Courtyard, and every wedding iscarefully and individually planned to make themost of the Castle and its various rooms.Twenty rooms are available for overnightaccommodation if required.Details: hamptoncourt.org.uk

Hampton Court

Where will you

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societymagazine.co.uk Venues 61

say ‘I do’?

Moccas CourtFor a truly unique andintimate day, Moccas Courtoffers everything to makeyour wedding all you couldwant it to be. This historicfamily home is licensed tohold just 10 weddings ayear, making it one of themost exclusiveHerefordshire venues. Withlimited space butmaximum atmosphere,Moccas is the ideal choiceif you’re planning to keepyour wedding small butperfectly formed. Reputedto be the site of theresidence of Llacheu, theson of King Arthur, MoccasCourt lies in the romanticlandscape between therivers Wye and Usk. Its fivespectacular bedrooms allhave magnificent views outover the grounds and thesurrounding Herefordshirecountryside.Details: moccas-court.co.uk, or call Ben orMimi Chester-Master on01981 500019.

HellensDescribed as “the jewel inthe crown of Herefordshirehomes” by onemagazine,Hellens is a beautiful historichouse in Much Marcle. Themanor was granted to the deBalun family in 1096, andwas eventually leased by theMortimer family to Walter deHelyon, whose family gavetheir name to the house, andwhose descendants still livehere. Among Hellens’attractions are the hauntedrooms prepared for BloodyMary Tudor the Stone Halland its great fireplacebearing the Black Prince’screst; and the MinstrelGallery. The Great Barn seatsup to 150 people, and if youbook your wedding duringHellens’ open season you willbe able to hold your initialreception in the Music Roomand have drinks on theEast Terrace.For further details contactthe curator on 01531660504 or [email protected]

Broadfield CourtIs there a more tranquil orbeautiful spot inHerefordshire at which toget married than BroadfieldCourt? This historic property– which is mentioned in theDomesday Book and hashosted the likes of SirWinston Churchill and theMitford sisters – is set intotal privacy in rollingcountryside. AlexandraJames, whose family livesthere and who is in charge ofweddings, said: “Not only isit a lovely property, but ourgardens provide a wonderfulspot for a bride and groomto enjoy their wedding day.We really enjoy hostingweddings here. It’s hard workbut we love it.” BroadfieldCourt has a number of otherunique elements, not leastone of the most maturevineyards in the countrywhich produces criticallyacclaimed wines that can beenjoyed by guests.Details: 01568 797483 orbroadfieldcourt.co.uk

Eastnor CastleEastnor Castle is a dramatic,fairytale castle on a 5,000-acre estate. Surrounded by alake, deer park andarboretum, with magnificentviews of the rollingcountryside, the castle is theperfect wedding setting andhas a licence to hold civilwedding ceremonies. Onewebsite listed Eastnor as oneof the world’s top 10wedding locations. The GreatHall, with its 60ft high ceilingand roaring log fires in winter,is an imposing yet intimatespace for the reception, andconnects to the OctagonSaloon with French windowsonto the terrace lawns. In thesummer, drinks are served inthe Great Hall. If you areplanning a wedding withmore than 150 guests, thecastle itself can be used for adrinks reception followed bya dinner dance in a marqueenext to the lake. There are 12bedrooms in the castle forthe wedding party.Details: 01531 633160

These Herefordshire venuesare approved for weddings

Allt-yr-Ynys Country HotelAylestone Court HotelBishopswood HouseThe BringewoodBrobury HouseBurton Court

Burton HotelCaradoc CourtCastle House HotelThe Chase HotelThe Feathers HotelGardner HallGlewstone CourtHereford RacecourseHolme Lacy House Hotel

Homme HouseHow Caple CourtThe Inn on the WyeLemore ManorMunstone HouseThe Old Court HotelOrles BarnParkfields Country HousePengethley Manor Hotel

Penrhos CourtThe Priory HotelThe Royal HotelThe Royal LodgeThree Counties HotelTown HallVerzon HouseWhitney CourtWilton Court Hotel

I do, too Other romantic wedding venues

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62 societymagazine.co.uk Homes and gardens

Though love can certainly keep you warm, there are some thingsyou’ll need as you set up home together. The early days as a newcouple can prove pricey as you acquire everything you need to createa beautiful, comfortable home. Start with the essentials and spend asmuch as you can afford on these, as you’ll want them to last alifetime. We’ve found some of the most desirable, though by nomeans the most inexpensive, furnishings available locally (and online)

A bed to dream romantic dreams in: Athlone£1,229 Beds & Mattresses 01432 276234

We need that...

Raise a glass withDenby glasses(assorted designs)recommended price£26, now £13Philip Morris01432 377089

Great to look at whether on or off –Loewe Art Mocha TV from £1695English Audio 01432 355081

Perfect for snuggling – Aylesbury sofafrom £1200 Unique Interiors 01432 279877

Arthur Price 60-piececutlery set £79.99 PhillipMorris 01432 377089

Set the table withDenby 16-piece boxset, £91.99 (variouscolours available), PhillipMorris 01432 377089

Dining table perfect for intimatedinners a deux or special supperswith friends £529, chairs £129 eachSimply Stunning 01981 541144

Pink retro Smeg fridge£1,220 Appliance Solutions,Ross-on-Wye and Ledbury01989 565600, 01531 636369

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societymagazine.co.uk Homes and gardens 63

We’d love this...Once you’ve bought the essentials, there’s always room for somethingpractical but pretty – and affordable, too. Celebrate the start of yourlife together by scattering a few hearts around your home

Heavy glass heart-shapedframe £22.50, rectangular frame£19.50 Berry Red 01432 274805

Deep heart dish with lid£40 Le Creuset, from Cook’sHaven 01432 356233

And they lived happilyever after hanging £19.95livelaughlove.co.uk Red gingham heart decoration

£2.95 livelaughlove.co.uk

Happily ever after hanging£14.95 livelaughlove.co.uk

Heart-shaped box £??berryred.co.uk

Rustic wire heart hooks£7.95 livelaughlove.co.uk

Mason Cash pink hearts bowl£11.99 dunelm-mill.com

Shabby chic white heartblackboard £12.95melodymaison.co.uk

Heart ramekin with lid £15 (£8without lid), Le Creuset fromCook’s Haven 01432 356233

Red hearts silicone trivet£13.27 stylishlife.co.uk

Pair of pillowcases for the newlyweds £22 notonthehighstreet.com

Set of six 2inwooden heartmagnets £6rustichearts.co.uk

Handmade personalised mugs£37 notonthehighstreet.com

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societymagazine.co.uk Civil partnerships 67

Raise a toast toRyan and TimSince 2005, same-sex partners have been able to have their

relationships legally recognised, and thousands of gay coupleshave now entered civil partnerships. Philippa Maymet one

Herefordshire couple currently planning their April wedding

Ryan Blanchard,left, and Tim

Davies are tyingthe knot.

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In common with many of the best-matched couples, Ryan Blanchardand Tim Davies had known eachother for a number of years beforethey realised that there might be

more to their friendship.Two years after getting together, the

pair are now planning their Aprilcivil partnership ceremony, which,unusually for this remarkably well-travelled pair, will be taking place intheir home city of Hereford.The big day in April will be

the first of the significantmoments in their partnership thathasn’t taken place overseas.Thanks to Tim’s job as cabin crewfor Virgin Atlantic, the proposalwas made (by Ryan) and acceptedwhile the couple were in Japan ona short break.On their return home from the Far

East, Ryan and Tim’s thoughtsturned to the tangible marking oftheir engagement – the rings. Theyimmediately decided there was onlyone place to go, so they boardedanother plane and headed off to spendChristmas in New York, where theyvisited Tiffany & Co, not for breakfast,but to buy the two distinctive pieces ofjewellery that will probably, on theirexchange of vows, do double duty asengagement and wedding rings.The venue is already booked, but the

post-partnership party location hasyet to be decided on, though onething is a certainty: “Thecelebrations,” declares Ryan, “will goon well into the night.”And the honeymoon will, of

course, be abroad, though that’s notproving the easiest decision either.“Thanks toTim’s job wecan go prettymuchanywhere,”says Ryan.“But at thisstage of theplanningwe’rethinkingabout headingeast again, thistime to HongKong.”

societymagazine.co.uk Civil partnerships 69

How it worksThe lawOn December 5, 2005,The Civil PartnershipAct 2004 came intoeffect in the UK,allowing couples of thesame sex to have legalrecognition of theirrelationship. Anycouples who enter intoa civil partnershipobtain the new legalstatus of ‘civilpartners’, instead ofthe traditionalhusband and wifestatus.

The ceremonyand registrationThe Civil PartnershipAct states that no formof religious activity cantake place during theregistration of a civilpartnership. The actdoes not include aceremony, and anycouple wishing to havea ceremony needs tocontact the relevantregistration authorityto check whether aceremony is possible.Couples are able to sayvows prior to signingthe registration, andthey are required tobring a minimum oftwo people to serve aswitnesses and sign theregistrationdocuments.

Where to do itHerefordshire has sixregister offices whereregistration of a civilpartnership can beperformed – Hereford,Ross, Bromyard,Leominster, Ledburyand Kington. There arealso many approvedvenues (see page 63)where registration cantake place. A minimumof 15 days’ notice ofyour intention to forma civil partnership isrequired. This can bedone at any registeroffice.

Ryan and Timbought their ringsfrom Tiffany & Co.

Ryan and Tim ontheir travels.

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motors

Want to arrive in style? Why not join the vee-dub club? 76

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Making a grand entrance is the bride’s prerogative on the big day,and what better way is there to arrive in style than in an eye-catching

car or carriage? Philippa May looks at some great options

Get me to thechurch in style

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societymagazine.co.uk Motors 77

Unless you live close enough to thechurch for the wedding party to walkand that walk is picturesque andquiet, you’ll need to arrange a car orcarriage to get you to the church, or

register office, on time.The most popular choice is a wedding car, with

Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and limos at the top of thelist. But a traditional car is by no means the onlysolution. See what else is on offer and follow afew simple rules to ensure that your arrival at thewedding venue is a stunning style statement.

Choose your transportConsider what form of transport wouldbest complement your wedding – ahorse and carriage that would beperfect for a country church weddingmight be less appropriate for a citycentre register office ceremony.

Check what your quote includes –car hire, chauffeur, mileage and VAT –and ensure there are no hidden extras.

If possible, go and see the cars for yourself –don’t rely on the brochure or online pictures.

Once you’ve decided, agree everything inwriting – where you’re to be collected from andwhen, the time of your wedding and the venue(on time is one thing, but being in the right placeis just as important).

If your budget won’t stretch to a wedding car,ask friends and family if anyone has a car, perhapsa convertible if you’re marrying in the summer,that you could borrow. Agood clean inside andout, ribbons and flowers on the front, and the carwill get you to your wedding in fine style.

If you want something a little unusual, it’s agood idea to make the booking in plenty of time.

Is the car likely to be booked for otherweddings on the day, and if so, how long isallowed between weddings? You don’t want tofeel stressed about anything, especially notwhether you’ll still have a car to take you to thereception when you leave the church.

Consider taking out insurance so you arecovered if the car breaks down or even if thecompany going out of business.

Carriage waysIf your heart is set on arriving at the church byhorse and carriage – and what could be moreromantic? – similar rules apply.

Visit the horses at the stables and have a look atthe carriage – don’t rely on pictures.

Or ask if the company can put you in touchwith a previous client for a reference.

Sit in the carriage, to see how comfortable it is.What will the driver be wearing on the day?Check the route with the company to be sure

that your choice of transport is practicable.The cost of hiring a horse and carriage varies

greatly from firm to firm. However, you canexpect to pay between £350 and £400 for a singlehorse and carriage and £525 to £600 for a pair.Also, some companies will charge extra if youlive outside a certain radius. As with car hire, youcan expect to pay more for a Saturday weddingduring the peak season, (June to September).

If you fancy a car with characterand charm, you won’t go wrongwith one these. Choose fromElvis, the old Beetle (top andinset), £295; Cilla, the new Beetle,£255; or Dilwyn, the camper van

(previous page), £325. Prices areall plus mileage to and fromHerefordshire. For details, visitlovebugweddings.com, [email protected], or call01656 785739 or 07904 167602.

To make a real statement, opt forstateside style with this fabulous1962 Cadillac Coupe de Ville(above) from States Style

weddings. Prices start at £280 fora local wedding. For more details,visit states-style.com or call Markon 07811 294896.

VW Beetle or camper van

Cadillac Coupe de Ville

Bentley R-type

Horse and carriage

For traditional wedding transportwith a twist, add a little colour byarriving in this striking 1953Bentley R Type (main pic, left) fromSpringer Wedding Car Hire. Thecost of hiring a Bentley starts at

£300, but will depend on distancefrom Hereford and your particularneeds. For more information and tomake an appointment to visitSpringer Wedding Car Hire, go tospringerweddingcars.webs.com.

The Wedding Carriage from KCCarriages seats four people andhas a hood in the event of badweather. Liveried staff can weareither black, grey or red huntingjackets to complement your

colour scheme, and you can bookextras such as balloons andconfetti cannons. For moredetails, see kccarriages.co.uk,call 01568 797776 or [email protected].

Would you rather arrive at the church in a VW, top, or a classic Cadillac?

Bride’s ride Four ways to arrive in style

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people&events

Saxty’s gala night 82Herefordshire Training awards 84Wye Amateur Boxing Club dinner 85Bulls Shop opening 86Scottish reels meeting 87Hereford Choral Society reception 88Haven quiz night 89Kilpeck Inn opening 90Kendall Wadley retirement 91Henryka opening 92

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82 societymagazine.co.uk People

Amy Whitelock, Katie Farmer.

Brigitte and Pete Manning.

Alex Heracleous-Walker and

Tiggy Bagley.

Ashley Rumsey, Ellie Teague.

Harry Fowler, Joel Ya

rranton, Robbie

Symonds, MikePowell.

Anna Roby-Welford, Nathan Fryer-Jones,Colin Roby-Welford, Jacqui Grocott.

Elaine Maxwell and Ron Parrott.

Paul Chuckle, Bobbie Heavens, JamesSmith, Louise Round .

Charlotte Lloyd, Diane Lloyd andEmma Mitchell.

Fi Short, Chris Tipping, Wendy Button,

Adam Button.Ebony Pearce, Anne Morgan, Karen

Rosser, Bethan Jacques, Emma Haines.

Helping hospiceEVENT: GALA NIGHT | VENUE: SAXTY’S BAR

Jan Fry, Paula Jarman, Julie Mannella.

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Reg Marshall, JanMarshall, Kati

e

Farmer, Shelagh Callaghan, Simon

McCauley, Amy Whitelock.

societymagazine.co.uk People 83

Kay Parker, Chloe Barrett, Natasha Webb.

Kris Manning, Emma Sargeant, Emily

Stokes, Sam Stokes.

Kath Morgan, Vicky Thomas.

Charlotte Lloyd, Diane Lloyd,

Emma Mitchell.

Jane Murton, Fran Prince.

Laura Chapman and Hollie Daniel.

Reg Marshall, Jan Marshall, Katie Farmer,Shelagh Callaghan, Simon McCauley,Amy Whitelock.

Yvonne Greene, Mandy Miles, Nettie Fish, Jackie Fennesy.

Mickey Osedo, Sven Ojwang,

Nelly Ojwang.

Saxty’s Gala Night raised about £4,500 for St Michael’sHospice, the bar’s sponsored charity for 2010.

Kris McLaren, Ashley Rumsey, LindaMcLaren, Danielle Buchenen, GlenMcLaren.

SPECIAL THANKS GO TO PLEASANCE AND HARPER JEWELLERS; HIGH TOWN HIRE; ABC PRINT; UNIQUE INTERIORS;HOLDSWORTH FOODS; HIBISCUS ROOMS; RUTHERFORD BUTCHERS; BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT; BRAKES FOOD; 22 SAS REGIMENT;ENTENTS CASINO HIRE; BOOKERS; CARLSBERG; LUKE CONOD & FIT CLOTHING; WAVERLY TBS; HEREFORD ROWING CLUB.

Harry Fowler, Joel Yarranton,

Robbie Symonds and Mike Powell.

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Grace Morgan of Robert Owen Groupwith David Hyner.

Alice Connolly, Jonathan Wright,

Ann Wright and Ann Connolly.

EVENT: HEREFORDSHIRE GROUP TRAINING AWARDS | VENUE: THE COURTYARD

Gary Summers, Martin Panek and

James Gerry – all ofJoseph Ash

Galvanising.

Rebecca Simpkins of allpay with

mum Irene.

Lee Jonesof Cargill w

ith David Hyner.

Sam Baker of H R Smith, Declan Clarkof Opella, Emma Eastick and Sam'smum Jenny.

High achievers

Dawn Wilson with Jack Young ofDytecna and Poppy Emerson.

David Hyner with Amy Malsom ofGKC Motors and Jackie Crane of RossRotary Club.

Jason Hitchings, Mark Macklin, Tina Reesand Robert Letby.

Simon Dodd Cox, Robin South, Steve

Hopcutt, Chris Griffin, Declan Clark and

Chris Ballinger.

Motivational speakerDavid Hyner inspired hisaudience at an evening tomark the achievements ofsome of HerefordshireGroup TrainingAssociation’s 300-plusapprentices, whoattended with employers,guests, parents and staff.


Carol Joy with Zoe Joy of Contrapac

and Lucy Sevenoaks of Cargill with

Carol Sevenoaks.

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Action in the ring.

Sam Ree, Alex Prince,James Watters.

EVENT: WYE AMATEUR BOXING CLUB DINNER | VENUE: THEPOINT4, HEREFORD

The Wye ABC team with ring girls

Sophie and Emma.

Will Lynsey, Eli Drury, the Mayor

Anna Toon, Karin Compton.

Steve Crone, Chris Tyler, Rob

Walters and Lionel West.

Beccie Newbury, Jess Rogers, SamanthaNewby and Cherie West.

ABA officials.

Chris Perkins, John Tanswell, Gary Rogers,and Tim Berrows.

Max Scully, Rhiannon Woodrow,

Rosie Woodrow, Richard Brogden

and Jamie Brogden.


The audience at Wye Amateur BoxingClub’s sell-out dinner show was treated toa sit-down meal, music from singerEllice Chidlow and eight fights,all but one featuring aHereford boxer. Chris Reidywas Wye’s sole winner.

PICTURES:CAM

ILLAWATKIN

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A knockout show

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Heather Gorringe and Sam Montague.

Dave Read, Danno Salmon andJames Chin.

Gareth Bennett, David Williams,

Darren Evans, Victoria Smith and

Shelly Au Yeung.

EVENT: HEREFORD UNITED SHOP OPENING | VENUE: FIT

Rachel Addison,Colin Addison and

Roy Conod.

Hereford United Bull and Joanne Catley.

Ollie Fennand Monty Gor

ringe with

the Hereford United Bull.

Meeting the players.

Bull market

Jodie Cousins, Ollie Kamester,Bryony Hatch and Lisa Rushworth.

Steve Lloyd, Joan Conod andNicky Lloyd.

Jamie Pitman, Bobbie Heavensand Tim Russon.

Luke Conod, Councillor Brian Wilcox,

David Keyte and Councillor Anna Toon,

Mayor of Hereford.

Hereford United playersMathieu Manset, KennyLunt, Dominik Werlingand Joe Colbeck joinedmanager Jamie Pitman,club chairman David Keyeand vice-chairman TimRusson at the launch ofthe official new HerefordUnited Bulls Shop infashion store FIT


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Alasdair Gordon, Harry Hames, JossHancock and Adam Kirkbride.

Fred Lifely, Tom Knight, Fred

Williams and Polly Haydn-Jones.

EVENT: SCOTTISH REELS MEETING | VENUE: PADDOCK HOTEL, SYMONDS YAT

Anna Sherwood and Issy Tomkinson.

Georgie de Rohan and Fred Lifely.

Ollie Butler and Ruari Bowen.

Almost 100 youngsters from around the region gathered to dance theNew Year in, Scottish style, with the help of George Buchanan’s band


Willow Robinson and

Archie Phillpotts.

Chloe Skyrme and Louisa Smith.

Ellie Penney, Alice Wakely, Isobel Otter-

Barry-Ross and Calum Harvey-Scholes.

James Mainwaring, Ollie Butler, Xander

Drury, Tom Bull and Tosca Griffin.

Rosie Snell and Izzy Hancock.

Hogmanay fun

Max Foster, George Lennox andJonny Knight.

Rosie Snell, Izzy Hancock andRosannagh Knight.

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June Chase, Pat Bishop, Len Chase.

Chairman of Hereford Choral Society

Clare Wichbold with John Ellis, a singing

member for 63 years.

Egerton Parker, Dr David Maw,Florence Maw.

Wendy Previte and Nick Previte.

EVENT: HEREFORD CHORAL SOCIETY RECEPTION | VENUE: HEREFORD CATHEDRAL

Valerie Hadrill and Elizabeth Millar.

Sheila Morris, Sheila

Harrison, Emma

Harrison, Margery Gra

y, Keith Gray

and Michael Peyman

Beryl Haughton, the Dean, the VeryReverend Michael Tavinor, andKathy Roberts.

Singing their praises

Amanda Wright, Kathy Roberts and ClareStevens of the Friends Committee.

Margaret Bircher, Richard Collinsand Tom Bircher.

Ruth Gibbon, Patricia Paul, Gill Clifford.

The Dean of Hereford was among the VIPs at a reception held by the choralsociety for its Friends before its annual perfomance of Handel’s Messiah


Mrs Price, Air Vice Marshall Price,

Amanda Wright.

Choral Society members Kathy Roberts(Friends secretary), Clare Stevens,Maria Foxton.

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Emma Clowes selling raffle tickets.

James and Lyn Snow and Sarah

and Sean Mason.

EVENT: HAVEN QUIZ NIGHT | VENUE: THE SHIREHALL, HEREFORD

Catherine Carleton-Smith organises the

local restaurantsraffle.

Last but not least... Crac’o Hill Billies win

the Sarah Keir Curly Wurly Award from

Fiona Phillips.

Benji Clowes and Peter Hensher hold

a print donated by Sue Macartney.

Neffy and Pete Hensher with BenjiClowes and delicious Herefordshire beef.

Question time

Christie's Edward Clive, Antonia Thorpfrom sponsor Knight Frank andquizmaster Fiona Phillips.

Fiona Phillips and Lizzie Forbes.

Octavius Black and Tamsin Clive .

Snowbrainers team leader Joe Snow with

quizmaster Fiona Phillips.

This year’s Haven Breast Cancer Support Centre quiz was chaired byHereford Times editor Fiona Phillips. The Snowbrainers came out on topPICTURES: NICK DAVIS AND JASMIN SCRIVENS-SMITH


Winning team The Snowbrainers.

Frankie Devereux, manager of The Haven,

with husband Nick, who was the scorerfor the quiz.

WITH THANKS TO SPONSORS: TANNERS AND KNIGHT FRANK

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Nick and Fiona Bolt.

Gordon and Carola Kean (the

newlyweds!).


Kevin Karney and Jonathan Bliss.Paul and Vicky Murray. Peter Hill and Richard Claridge.

Chef Neil Wadelin with owner Neil Kerr.

Owners Jane and Neil Kerr.

Laura White, Mandy Poole and NickThielker.

More than 60 St Michael’sHospice supporters went tothe revamped Kilpeck Inn(formerly the Red Lion) tosee it officially opened byJesse Norman MP and BBCTV auctioneer Kate Bliss.They enjoyed a deliciousthree-course dinner withwine, sponsored andprovided by the Kilpeck,preceded by a champagnereception sponsored byClaridge Nursing Homes.The event raised £9,000for the hospice.

Dr Patsy Spicer and owner Neil Kerr.

BBC TV celebrity auctioneerKate Bliss and Anne Alakija.

Delicious dinner atEVENT: ST MICHAEL’S FUND-RAISER | VENUE: KILPECK INN

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Mike Roberts, Peter Hill and Nick Bolt.

Dr Paddy Matthews and Brian Evans.

Colin Gordon and Anna Roby-Welford.

Lee Gough, Janet Peacock, Jon Marston.

Mr and Mrs John Stallard.

Jeremy Clarke-Morris, Christine Perks,

Katie Bolt.

the inn

All the best

EVENT: KENDALL WADLEY | VENUE: THE COURTYARD

Beryl Young, Tony Manning andCarmaine Thomas.


Patricia Woolaston, Ken Jones and

Stuart Woolaston. Left: Barry Jones.

Kendall Wadley’sHereford officehosted an event forclients andcolleagues to markthe retirement ofBarry Jones, below,in April after 33years with the firm.Guests mingled overcanapés and drinksfeaturing theflavours ofHerefordshire, whilea raffle in aid ofMegan Baker House(for children withcerebral palsy andother neurologicaldisorders) inLeominster wasmatch fundedby KendallWadley fora total of£202.

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Tony Perks, Peter Cunningham andCarol Delaney.

Pam Ensor, Ania Emmett and

Robert Ensor.

EVENT: OFFICIAL OPENING | VENUE: HENRYKA, WIDEMARSH STREET, HEREFORD

Owners Ania andTracy Emmett.

Deb Coleman and Ben Hall.

Colin Emmett, Alison Lewis andAndrew Lewis.

Beautiful jewellery

George Davies, Lisa Emmett, Ben Emmettand Sally Rutherford

Colin Rutherford and Ben Emmett.

Phil Ridgeway, Kate Deptula, Bev Lloyd

and Sarah Mussell.

Guests enjoyed a relaxedevening of champagneand canapés amongbeautiful pieces of Balticamber at the opening ofHenryka, Hereford’s firstamber and silver jewellerystore, boasting the largestcollection of jewellery ofits type in the region


Tom Emmett.

Jo Moffatt, Matt Moffat

t

and Adrian Lloyd

John Coleman and Ben Corner.

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Gardening

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Directory

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he beautiful church of Saint Cuthbertin Holme Lacy lies in a lonelymeadow near the slow-moving RiverWye. Today’s Holme Lacy village isover a mile away up a long, winding

track, but the original village may have beenmuch closer, moved perhaps when Holme LacyHouse was rebuilt in the 17th century.Dog lover Peter Manders was drawn to a

monument in the south-east corner of thechurchyard, an area enclosed by clipped yewhedges, a burial plot for the Scudamore-Stanhopefamily, and entered by a small gate created fromdecorative ironwork from Holme Lacy House.The most striking of several 19th and 20th

century memorials here is this tall bronzemonument, designed by Gilbert Bayes, to EdwynFrancis Scudamore-Stanhope, 10th Earl ofChesterfield, who died in 1933. Dressed as aknight, he is accompanied by a dog.Almost facing this monument is a stunning

wrought-iron gate, also believed to have beentransplanted from the gardens of the house, withscrolls and rosettes, the family arms, motto andcrest and with finials in the shape of bears’ paws(part of the Scudamore arms and crest).St Cuthbert’s, which for a long time was

supported by the Scudamore family, is now in thecare of the Historic Churches Trust, part of theSouth Wye Teamministry area of Herefordshire.

T

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herefordshire society february 2011

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