89-year wait for North Norfolk chapel wedding

A small Methodist church in North-East Norfolk has held its first wedding ceremony since 1933.

Mary Robinson and Michael Ford of Cromer tied the knot on Thursday April 7 at Lessingham Methodist Chapel, part of the North Norfolk Circuit. The service was conducted by the Superintendent Minister, Rev Colin Telfer and Lessingham’s Lay Pastor, Mrs Ros Peedle; and members of the congregation were very welcome  guests to the Chapel for the ceremony.
 
The bride and groom have been associated with the Chapel for some years through friendship with Ros Peedle. Mary and Ros first met at a quilting group and have been friends ever since.
 
Ros says, “I was delighted when Michael and Mary chose our Chapel to bring their wedding vows before God. The couple very much wanted to be in a church where they had a connection, and so Lessingham Chapel, right, was the obvious choice, and the Chapel folk were glad to help them celebrate their special day. This was the first wedding in the Chapel since the parents of a friend of mine were married there in 1933!”
  
The bride was attended by 3 bridesmaids, Sue, Jasmine and Rori. Michael’s best man, Shaun, is an old friend and another friend, Graham, gave Mary away. This was a lilac wedding, Mary’s favourite colour, with the flowers, the cake made by one of the members, and decorations in the Chapel all following the lilac theme. The bride's dress was lilac and so were the shirts and matching ties worn by Michael, Shaun and Graham.
 
After the service, afternoon tea was served in the Chapel, provided by Sam Grout of The Old Rock Shop Bistro in Cromer. Music for the day was played on the church organ by Tim Patient, a well-known organist and a member at the Chapel; the photographer was Paul Hurst, well known in the area for his beautiful photographs of church architecture.
 
Mary says, “This was really the Chapel’s Day as well as ours. I am so glad we are all celebrating together.”
  
The top picture shows, L to R, Lay Pastor Ros Peedle, Michael and Mary Ford and Rev Colin Telfer.
The wedding pictures are courtesy of Paul Hurst.

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in East Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.