Golden wedding

 Saturday the 3rd. Liz loved the card and scarf. at 8 am Alexander's delivered a gorgeous bouquet of red roses and carnations and the yellow rose buttonholes. I rang Rambling Rose and a lovely terracotta pot of yellow roses were delivered. We travelled by bus and train then tube to pick up the 360 to RAH and Dennis and family were on that bus. Of course we were early. The tea was actually at 2.30. While we waited I chatted to a couple from the Netherlands celebrating 40years of marriage. We also saw Hazel and Juliet our favourite steward. The tea was excellent with the children getting very nice things too. Had two glasses of champagne. Ann and Paul had recorded a video for Bruce so so we did a reply. When we left we were given boxes shaped like the Hall for our cakes. Family photos outside the hall Went over to the park. Bruce and Emma went back to the htel and Dnnis and co went home - Henry was very tired and so was Ann-Marie. We got the bus to Our Lady of Victories and I rehearsed the psalm with Ben also the Macmillan. We sat up on the sanctuary. It went well. Fr Francis sang beuatifully and gave a lovely welcome and homily. Fr Dominic concelebrated. The hymns were Father hear and Angel voices. Ben played magnificently and we were applauded 3 times. Renewing our commitment was very moving. We came out to Karg-Elert and eventually got a photo outside. Rosemary, Tiziano, Dale, Mick, William, Rita were all there. Rita then took us to her flat and we had sushi and chocolates with Italian champagne. A delightful evening with Tiziano who is sadly going back to Rome and Amir on great form. We got tube and train to East Croydon and cab home arriving 11.45. 

Sunday the 4th. Went up to Claire's to collect cake from across the road and had tea with Grainne across the road in neighbour's house. I have a new friend Athena. To St John's and unloaded stuff after the service. It was amazing how quickly tables and chairs were moved into position. We think about 70 came so there was plenty for everyone. I hardly ate a thing! So busy chatting to everyone. So good to have Simon and Jenny, Carole and Kevin, Richard and Penny, Meryl, Caterham and cathedral well represented and Gallery Prommers. We started the music quiz a bit late and had to cut a couple of numbers . Pietro was fabulous and we sang We'll gather lilacs and I sang A nightingale sang in Berkely Square (Meryl's favourite). Jan won first prize and Isabella and Francis second. Simon gave a brilliant speech (as always) and I replied to the toast. We cut the cake and walked down the aisle again. We got family photos. Ann-Marie came but was tired and unwell so she went home. Also got photo of everyone and photo of the choir. Lionel rehearsed in the hall and the pros had done their homework. The Rachmaninov was to die for, the Walmisley Louise and Liz sang soprano and Bruce and I sang tenor in the quartet. Wuit elike old times. Dad's anthem was givne its best rendition so far (third time) Ben was great! Not too impressed by Richard Pilliner who seemed a bit bewildered. All was cleared up. I will draw a veil over the situation waiting to go home (Rachel kindly claled an Uber for us) except to say I was very upset and woke in the night sobbing my heart out. 

Monday had a chat to Ann when we got home and on Monday morning and felt a lot better. We got an Uber up to St John's and waited for the hire people. No sign of my music but I am sure we will find it in the vestry. Also the chocolates from Jersey - the boys gave me 3 boxes as theu gave them out. Lots of cards, flowers (a  lovely bouquet from Balham Catenians, balloons, bottles , gifts. Started on thank you messages on email - I would write but don't have addresses. Olympics. The guest book was a lovely idea and many kind messages. Lots of watermelons left over and Pimma and Prosecco. Some of the cake. Green party Asylum group - horror at riots after Stockport murders. Library in Liverpool was burnt. We had some of the Sauvere Simon and Jenny gave us - the cork disintegrated so used the tea strainer. Delicious and rich. Fell asleep on sofa, Liz on bed.