Mum and Dad certainly seemed to enjoy spending the evening with dear friends and special relatives to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary on Saturday 24 September 2011. It was a delight to share the evening with them and be a part of the celebrations.
Outside Oldfield Baptist Church, their wedding was the first at this church after a re-build
The anniversary party was held at Northwood Golf Club and included welcome drinks, a sit-down meal, speeches from both myself and Dad, and some dancing - including some hilarious barn dancing. We also had some of the original photos from their wedding on 23 September 1961 on display and a DVD of the wedding originally taken on cine film (it was quite unusual to have a cine film of a wedding at the time, it was made by an uncle of the bride).
I am delighted that a photo from the wedding was recreated 50 years (+ 1 day) after the original:
The bride and her bridesmaids - 1961...
...and 2011. Maureen, Brenda, Jean and Ann.
And – notice the little boy on the right in the photo at the top? That’s Ian, the bride’s youngest brother. In 1961 he was around 5 years old and, despite much persuasion by the whole of the bride’s family, he refused to wear a kilt to the wedding as a tribute to their Mum’s Scottish roots. You can see him in a pair of trousers.
Fifty years on, Ian honoured the original wish and turned up to the Golden Wedding celebrations dressed in a kilt, in his words “finally doing what I was told!” Great job, Ian!
Ann's brother Ian dressed as he was told to - at last!
Here’s a message from Mum and Dad:
On Saturday 24th September 2011, we had the greatest pleasure in welcoming over one hundred family members and friends to help us celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary.
We hope these pictures of the occasion, taken by son, Paul and brother, John will give you a sense of the joyful happiness there was that evening and what a privilege it was for us to receive so many messages of congratulations and best wishes.
With our sincerest grateful thanks.
Bob & Ann Baker
The happy couple!
The Photos
Here is a link to the photos taken at the event.
The Video
And a little flavour of the barn dance:
Guests – thank you so very much for coming and making this celebration
so special for Mum and Dad. xx
Paul (a.k.a. maidbloke)
With thanks to John Rabbitt for providing many of the photos
#1 by Sarah Watson on 29 September 2011 - 12:28
Absolutely loved it! Well done on organising such a fun night. It was so great to catch up with all the family and meet others who could tell us stories of what our parents were like ‘in those days!!!’ although there was video evidence!!! ‘Mother!’ lol
Really great night….and loved the dancing.
Thanks Sarah x
#2 by Dennis & Ros Sare on 29 September 2011 - 16:30
The video was terrific – it was as though we were watching our own (same year) with all sorts of Aunties & Uncles there wearing the same hats as your relations.
Lovely party and it was great to see you both enjoying yourselves so much.
#3 by Brenda Watson on 30 September 2011 - 07:58
What a wonderful night it was it is amazing what Ann and Bob can throw together in a couple of weeks! The music was just right (I didn’t need my ear plugs) and as for the delicious food well I knew those cookery lessons of Bob’s would come in handy! But most importantly it was the company who made it such a perfect night.
Dearest Ann and Bob although you arranged the party to celebrate your 50th Anniversary you gave us a wonderful gift that we will all remember and treasure. Thank you and when’s the next one!!!
Lots of love to my favourite Sister and Brother-in-Law
Brenda XXXXXX
#4 by Angela and Tony on 1 October 2011 - 10:11
Lovely evening, good company.As Brenda says you gave us more than just a party but a clear message of the joy of such occasions. Thank you so much.