Thursday 23rd June 2022

The primary reason that we came to Europe one week before school officially finished was to celebrate Steve’s parent’s 60th wedding anniversary on the day itself.

It was all organised, prepared and financed by Grandma Susan as a present to Granddad and to all 20 guests. Grandma’s sister Diane and her husband David chose and kindly supplied the lovely wine, so the day was set.  The weather was sunny and cloudy with a little rain and barely 19C, but this didn’t adversely impact the 6 hours of chatting eating, reminiscing and celebrating the unique bond that Philip and Susan have, and the journey through married life that they have taken together.

Canapés and drinks, a delicious 2 course meal (my chicken and tiramisu was divine, Steve’s salmon and dessert too), coffee, an ode to Susan and Philip from Steve, and an amusing speech from Stuart.  Following next was Misa and Emilka presenting their grandparents with a framed celebratory card from her Majesty, The Queen that Stu had arranged. 

Steve had spent time beforehand to prepare a half-hour video of memories through the years – including Super 8 cine film of his parent’s wedding thanks to Grandad having had lots of family film digitized some months ago!  This was played to the finishing touch of an afternoon tea with three cakes; Grandma made her well-renowned Canadian boiled fruit cake and a light fruit cake, and I made a celebratory carrot cake.

The 11am pick up and 6pm return by chauffered minibus was an easy way to travel to the venue and allowed enjoyment of the aperitifs and wine.  The venue was The Lodge on the edge of Winchcombe; originally a cottage hospital but refurbished a few years ago to high standard as an exclusive place to stay and to dine.

The day went entirely to plan and I was proud of my family, of my children in particular as they had no mobile phone to distract from being social creatures and communicating with others, of Steve, whose ode was fun to listen to, of Stu who gave his amusing speech standing up despite the pain this caused him, and a family I belong to who values togetherness and love.  We were joined in spirit too by Dad’s two sisters and family from New Zealand, their presence felt through the surprise of two truly beautiful flower arrangements.

All in all, a small gathering that mimicked a wedding reception was a beautiful way to celebrate with family and friends, the latter from Mum and Dad’s village as well as their very long-time friend John. 

Congratulations Grandma and Granddad; your values and love of each other are a model for All and we wish you many more years together!

Rennie