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Loving couples renew their vows
THE glorious setting of Peterborough Cathedral on a sun-kissed Valentine's Day inspired love and romance for a host of married couples at a special celebration of their commitment.
THE glorious setting of Peterborough Cathedral on a sun-kissed Valentine's Day inspired love and romance for a host of married couples at a special celebration of their commitment.To mark National Marriage Week, the cathedral invited those who wanted to renew their vows to take part in a re-dedication and prayer service.
And the city's lovebirds proved that romance was alive and well by flocking to the ceremony with heart-warming stories.
There were couples who had spent a significant part of their lives together, as well as younger husbands and wives who could still hear the wedding bells from their big day.
And they were watched by thrilled family and friends who shared in their joy. Patricia and Thomas Hendry from Paston had a poignant reason to say, "I do" again.
The couple were married 48 years ago on Mrs Hendry's 20th birthday, but sadly, her father had passed away three weeks' previously so they cancelled the reception. Mrs Hendry (68) said the re-dedication ceremony was a chance to celebrate their union.
She said: "Today will be a nice celebration. Marriage is very important – it's a binding thing. My sister Marlene Harris and her husband Roger are also here – they got married 50 years ago on this day."
Mr Harris (74) and his wife (71) came from Netherton to celebrate the occasion.
Celebration of marriage
There were more celebrations at St Paul's Church in Lincoln Road at a moving service.
Reverend Ron Watkinson, the vicar of the New England church, held a Celebrate Marriage ceremony on Sunday and invited married couples to come back to the church for the relaxed occasion.
The vicar's wife Val Watkinson said around 32 couples and their families enjoyed the service – and many asked if it could become a regular fixture.
She said: "We had quite a lot of couples that had married at St Paul's.
"It was about affirming marriage and it showed that it is not out of fashion. There were people there who had been together for more than 60 years – not just one couple, but several. They really enjoyed it and asked if it was going to be an annual event."
People were invited to say their marriage promises again and there were hugs and kisses in the service.
Meanwhile, hundreds of brides and grooms-to-be flocked to the Cupids Wedding Show at the East of England Showground Exhibition Halls on Sunday.
They got advice and information on how to have the perfect winter wedding – complete with a team of huskies on a sledge to make sure that even snow flurries didn't hold up the ceremony.
He said: "It was our wedding anniversary as well so we thought we would go along. There were well over 200 people there. I thought it was excellent."
Tony and Sue O'Driscoll from Yaxley were among the couples eager to reaffirm their vows.
They had an enchanting wedding in a castle in Edinburgh eight years ago this July and were keen to recreate their big day in another stunning venue.
Mr O'Driscoll (67), who joked that his delicious shepherd's pie won him his bride, said: "Marriage is as important as it ever was."
His wife (50) said: "We got married in Dalhousie castle with 12 guests. We wanted something different."
Vincent and Beverley Haggerty from Eastfield said their vows had helped them find the strength to come through difficult times.
Mrs Haggerty (41) and her husband (45) tied the knot 13 years ago but were together for 10 years before that.
Romantic Mr O'Driscoll popped the question by placing a wedding ring on the table when they were out for dinner.
Mrs O'Driscoll said: "Trials and tribulations sometimes get in the way of things and although we have had a lot of ups and downs, we are there for each other.
"Both our parents are still married, so I think those values stay with you.
"I think it's easy to walk away when things go wrong, but you have got to work at it to keep it going."
The Very Reverend Charles Taylor, Dean of Peterborough, who conducted the service, celebrated his silver wedding anniversary last year.
He said: "Marriage – holy matrimony - is one of God's great gifts to humanity.
"As part of National Marriage Week, we invited married couples who so wished to reaffirm their promises, to receive God's blessing and to pray together for the support of his grace in the days and years ahead."
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Weather for Peterborough
Thursday 24 May 2012
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