Breakfast in the pub tasted amazing, outside the rain punished the cold air passing across the downs. I shared my morning with the kids and Gordon, we chewed over some jokes and read the morning papers, it was Dickensian outside but there was nothing i could do. Mid day passed by as the pub filled up with walkers, my brother arrived and i had to let go of my room so i changed in Riley’s instead. Hair cuts all round at one. Lunch, a ploughman’s. with all the trimmings. Gordon kept the spirits high as best he does, the day slowly sailed by and soon it was time to go to the church to be part of the rehearsals. The choir, Boo and Steve Nieve, Pete the vicar, the crew, Josh from the Strypes. It was all becoming so real, so close. In the vestry i listened to Steve play, the gift of melody strokes my heart stings, he is the arc of all angels. The church began to fill, Danny Baker a first, and then it all went blank.

Tears were reflected in the rain that fell as we tripped along the puddles and paths to the riding school complete with Sitar player Indian banquet and live music from Chris Holland and The Strypes. So many people to see and to love, but its never possible. Although it was cold from the wind which crept around the barn things inside were warm with love. Im not sure where to start with my feelings they were all over the wedding ceremony and long into the night. Its been many years coming to this place, and in some ways everything that passes leads to each part of this magnificent journey. Memories are many, these are a few. Dancing with Grace Cissy and Nat bags. Saying hello to Peter and Susan, seeing the band so happy and so giving. Hearing my brother’s speech and being beside Gordon all day, his speech was killer. Louis’s parents and family were so kind, her Father’s speech so witty and full of grace. Brother Lew, a whit to woe. The food was amazing. Strangers in the night, Melvin and Matt D, the friendship of Chris S, the heat and soul of Peter the Vicar, the kindness of distant family, Kim and Clare. All the loving friends from the village, all the loving friends from the musical side of my world. Glenn who cried, like the ships in the night that we are. God bless the children who were so good, they danced to the music and they played in the rain. Maureen who is the open hand. What a great evening staged by the wonderful Cassie and Graham, Clare who TM’d with love. It was amazing, the rain came and it kept us all inside wrapped up in the love of food and music, what more could you want in a wedding. We drove on to Bath and there we slept. Thank you for this most amazing day Louise, i will forever love you.