MORE than 7,000 picnickers and music lovers flocked to Ragley Hall for the seventh annual Battle Proms Concert, a summer celebration with orchestral music and dramatic Spitfire, cannon, cavalry and firework displays.
But the sparks in the sky weren’t the only one flying, as one Alvechurch resident decided to take the opportunity to pop the big question to his partner in the midst of the music.
Army veteran Kevin Henderson, aged 60, asked the Battle Proms organisers for their help in proposing to his partner Elaine Tomlinson, and the team worked out a plan, with compère Pam Rhodes charged with reading the proposal from the stage.
Kevin’s heartfelt and moving words were read by Pam to the delight of the audience – and Elaine.
“Elaine, I know that we haven’t known each other a long time but we have hit it off from our first meeting and since then my love for you has grown and flourished,” it read.
“I am so glad and lucky that you came into my life, you make me smile and brighten all my days.
“Elaine, will you do me the great honour of becoming my wife? Will you marry me, Elaine?”
Elaine accepted the proposal and ventured to the front of the stage with Kevin, where they gave a wave to the crowd, relayed on the big screens, to joyous applause.
Kevin has confirmed they have booked to get married on August 11 next year and will attend the next Battle Proms as a married couple.
As well as providing a romantic setting for Kevin and Elaine, the Battle Proms raised £10,840 for Combat Stress, the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans. It provides free, specialist clinical treatment and support to former servicemen and women across the UK with mental health conditions including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and anxiety.
