The Wedding

I am now suffering the penalty for such a good holiday the other week. I had such a large advance on my salary to cover expenses of the holiday and the car etc., that when I was paid yesterday I only had £99.17 to come! I have to go another three weeks yet before I can get another sub, and I have to pay three weeks rent and three weeks rail-fare out of that. At £30 per week for the two I work it out that I have about £9.17 left for food and spending for the next three weeks! What a good job I have my cleaning job to fall back on. That £15 per week should just about see me through - if I go very steady. Still, I am not complaining, I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and the wedding rounded the week off very nicely.

I rang around to about six or seven different hire firms for a car before we came down, the average rental for 10 days being £120/£130 - we finally decided to hire an old banger from `Ron's Rent A Wreck' for £52 plus £6 insurance. It handled quite well but the tyres were on the legal limit and I'm glad we managed to get through the week without being stopped. We drove down on the Saturday afternoon - a week before the wedding - and it was the first time I have been able to drive down without getting lost in London. Alan did most of the driving once we were in Bristol and we went off somewhere different every day.

On the Sunday we went down to Eastville Market and got a few bargains, and then went from there to see Iva's sister-in-law's grave at Kingswood Church, and then as we were in the next street we popped round on the hop to see Arthur and Helen (and the cats!).

On Monday we went to Burnham-on-sea. We intended going to Weston when we started out but took the wrong turning and decided to carry on to Burnham. It was very nice down there - a bit windy, but quite pleasant.

Tuesday we went to Bristol Zoo. It was lovely to see and smell all the animals; they each have a peculiar pong all of their own, which I like. We saw the sea lions being fed. They move very fast in the water don't they? When we were looking at the white tigers and the lions etc., I couldn't resist standing by the fence saying `Puss Puss'. Mind you I think one of those on the bed would make your foot go to sleet!

Wednesday I went to buy my outfit for the wedding and later went into the Council Offices to see some of my old mates. I had only intended stopping for an hour or so there and then going on up to the museum, but as it turned out I was still there at 6pm chatting to the Commissionaire. I was `honoured' to be able to go to the canteen for lunch with Audrey and Monica and had quite a nice meal there. Then the rest of the afternoon was spent wandering around having a chat with various people I had got to know during my brief sojourn in the Council House. It was nice to go back, and I was surprised I was made so welcome, but I still prefer life n London. I then went off to the Wimpy in Park Street for a meal with Audrey who later took me to Helen's house where I was to meet the others.

Thursday was a great day. We went to Wookey Hole Caves. It was the only day we had rain but that didn't matter as we were inside in the caves and the Mill. It was really interesting and I think the caves are nicer than the ones at Cheddar.
On Thursday evening I visited Jezebel (S.S. Squeak's kitten) who lives quite happily with her foster parents, Sue & David at Fishponds. What a credit she is to them too; very elegant and well behaved (when I was there anyway) and very pretty. I am sure Squeaky would be very proud of her. Such a lady up to Tony, who is a reincarnation of Tiptoes and Tiger, rolled into one. A lovely cuddly daft cat with a sense of fun, a proper boy! I like him, but don't tell him or it will only make him big headed!

Friday we went to Slimbridge [Gloucestershire]. This was another great day too and was well worth the visit. It is the first time I had actually been there. Arthur had gone with his school when we lived at Uley and had been full of enthusiasm about it so that one weekend we almost went. Ernie drove us as far as the gate but when he found we had to pay to go in he turned around and went back home! Philistine!

On Friday night I rushed round to see Auntie Edie and Auntie Ivy and then on up to Arthur's to see him before he set out on his `future life'.

Saturday of course was the wedding. It was a very nice wedding and Helen looked so nice. I almost got `all emotional' during the ceremony! Afterwards we had a very nice meal at the Hotel for the Reception. After all the bad weather it turned out to be a really nice day for them and lots of photos were taken. Adrian and Jonathon were very well behaved too. I think even Alan and Iva were a bit surprised how well they behaved. They didn't think they would go running berserk exactly, but it was a long day for them considering they are only 4yrs and 2yrs old. I think my `cousin Russell' helped a lot at the reception by keeping Johnny amused etc.

Mum had been away on holiday at Paignton during the week previous to the wedding and she was not at all well, but nevertheless was determined to go to the actual wedding and reception and seemed to enjoy both of them, but once we got home she more or less collapsed and we left her in bed sleeping when we went to the evening party at Filton. This was very good too, but mum would never have been able to stand the noise and the smoke.
We went over to Arthur & Helen's on Sunday afternoon before coming back to London. They really had a house warming there with all their relations. They all seem a friendly crowd too, which is nice.

Grace Russ - 24th May 1979