Royal Wedding – Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips
Perhaps the highest profile wedding during this period was the royal wedding between Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips on 14 November 1973. Grandad noted that grandma went next-door to Barbara Carpenter’s and watched it on television with Barbara’s mother, Mrs Smith. Grandad noted that they were able to watch it in colour.
Ray Cirket Marries Again
Closer to home, grandma’s brother, Ray, re-married on 26 September 1972. He had previously been married to Winnie for almost fifty years, from 1920 until February 1969, when Winnie died. Grandad noted that mum and grandma went to Bedford for the wedding which was to Kathleen Northwood. Mum came back the same day but grandma stayed for a few days to see Auntie Dolly.
John Douglas and Margaret (“Bunty“) Noble Get Married
On 7 March 1970, grandad noted that John and “Bunty” married at the Roman Catholic Church in Costessey. This is the church of Our Lady and St Walstan. The current church building opened in 1841 although it was closed between 1872 and 1910. I think “Bunty” refers to Margaret Noble, Betty Douglas’ cousin. Her first husband, Fred Noble died in December 1966 aged only 45 (see Chapter 88). From FreeBMD, John refers to John Brunton-Douglas.
Another Wedding in Bedford
On 18 September 1971, Barbara Carpenter went to a wedding in Bedford and she took grandma with her so that she could spend the day with Auntie Dolly.
Gillian Pointer
On 1 June 1974, Gillian Pointer was married to Dennis Buckenham at Drayton Methodist Church. Apparently, there were 90 guests.
Grandma and Grandad’s Ruby Wedding Anniversary
Grandad also noted that 19 March 1970 was his and grandma’s ruby wedding anniversary, that is they had been married 40 years (see Chapter 16). He also noted that they received cards etc. Grandad also commented on their wedding anniversary in other years, e.g. in 1972 and 1974.