SEPTEMBER 29 was all about romance and fairytales for Maureen Buttery and Vernon Haden at St David’s House in Batchley.
Maureen and Vernon formed a warm friendship earlier this year and in August a tenant at the sheltered housing complex remarked that perhaps a wedding was on the way.
St David’s activity and engagement co-ordinator, Gill Talbot joked that St David’s could host a ‘mock wedding’ and the idea was born.
“I never thought that my suggestion would be taken seriously,” said Gill.
“Four weeks later the couple had their dreams come true. Given that I was on holiday for 10 days in September, I just cannot believe what has been achieved in such a short time.”
Gill called on a small army of local businesses and members of the community to lend or donate so much for the event.
Table decorations, wedding cupcakes, wedding cake, flowers, balloon arch, red carpet, bridal bouquet and much more.
On the big day itself, the families attending along with 42 tenants.
“We were entertained by singer Kelly Taylor, the great granddaughter of one of our tenants, and saxophonist Carole- Ann Hartells,” said Gill.
“Later there was more party music courtesy of DJ Rolie Slater, who is a tenant, which got everyone singing and dancing the night away.
“And although it was a mock wedding, it felt very much like the real thing.”
Maureen’s bridal party included a member of the care team, suited and booted to give her away, two tenants and a care team leader as bridesmaid and our scheme manager Steven Horton as Best Man.
Tenants dressed for the occasion and a number wore hats lent by the care team.
Maureen the bride said: “It was one of the happiest days that I have had for a very long time.
“It has been a tough 18 months for us all at St David’s and I wanted everyone to have a fabulous time, lots of fun and a good old knees up, and we certainly did that.
“I would also like to thank all of the staff here at St David’s for their continued support.”
