Community spirit made a special day (From Malvern Gazette)

Community spirit made a special day

11:20am Friday 27th July 2007 in Letters

WE would like to say a great big thank you to everyone who went out of their way to help to make our daughter, Penny's wedding to James Needham at St Mary's Church, Bromesberrow, happy and successful despite the ravages of the weather on Friday afternoon.

Thank you to The Morgan work's works manager's wife, who made her Range Rover available to ferry the bride when it became impossible to proceed in the pretty blue Morgan bridal car.

Thank you to the unknown passing Range Rover driver who kindly got the bridesmaid to the church.

Thank you to Spike and his tractor, who brought our nephew-in-law and seven-month-old Jemima safely to the service and then came to Bromesberrow Village Hall after the reception to ferry stranded guests to a night's refuge at the Dyke House and Grove House, both of which extended a warm welcome.

Thank you to the bell ringers who gamely rang as long as they could despite fears for how they would get home.

Thank you to The Rev. Dr Peter Newing for many, many kindnesses, grace and patience and giving bed and breakfast to several marooned guests.

Thank you to Bayley's taxis who persevered through the floods to get me, the bride's mother, there.

Belinda Sparey cheerfully provided a splendid wedding breakfast, despite her staff being unable to get from Worcester, and we are very grateful to all her family, friends and neighbours who stepped into the breach.

Our guests who were stranded in Ledbury are full of praise and gratitude for the help, comfort and food they received at the community centre.

We are very well aware that there are many other unsung heroes and are very grateful for the wonderful community spirit of the Ledbury and Malvern district folk.

Richard and Pam Sarginson, Whitborn Close, Great Malvern.