Just one today.
1875, my 2 x great-grandmother, Mary Iley ( nee Bland), died in Bedale. She was born 1823 in our near Yarm, daughter of Matthew Iley and Ellen Cunion and was married to James Bland. I'm afraid that's about all I know of her but I've always quite liked her in a distant sort of a way.
Ooops - nearly missed this because of having the wrong date in my diary!
On May 29th 2009, my nephew was married in Brighton Register Office with little fuss and only his and his bride's parents to witness the event. On May 30th hundreds of friends and family walked up on to Winchester Old Hill where the ecstatically happy couple celebrated their hand-fasting. It was a glorious, sunny day and it made the most splendid sight - all in our wedding finery, wearing posh frocks, big hats and walking sandals or trainers.
Ohhh... and when my niece-in-law, in her amazing deep red flamenco dress, with matching roses in her hair and more in her bouquet, walked up the hill and into the waiting circle of guests, there wasn't a dry eye to be seen and I honestly thought Tom was about to burst with joy.
Bemused walkers, falling upon the gathering by chance, watched and listened but left us in peace.
The ceremony over, we went a little way down the hill into an ancient yew grove where, the previous evening, champagne and glasses had been carefully hidden and kept cool.
The rest of the weekend was given over to partying, singing, dancing and music, in a field which a local farmer had let them use for the occasion. It was one of the loveliest weddings I have ever been to and I wish them every happiness on their anniversary.
