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Alan and Jane Randall - 28 August 2010

Alan and Jane at the Queen’s Head surprised everyone (apart from their parents) when they suddenly got married last Saturday morning. Even the staff at the pub were unaware of the plan; Alan’s “Jodie, can I have a quick word” was the first indication that something was up when she arrived for work.

From what we can work out, Alan and Jane decided a week ago that it was time to tie the knot and told their parents who made plans to travel to Brandeston for the weekend. Rings were bought and the slot arranged at Woodbridge registry office.

“It was the right way to do it,” Alan said. “We wanted a private, informal wedding with just our immediate family around us.”

On the only sunny day of the holiday weekend, Jane wore a fuchsia dress and a big smile and  had her granddaughter Leanna as her bridesmaid. Alan was tidy.

Champagne and photos in front of the pub were followed by lunch in the restaurant prepared and served by the still surprised staff.

Alan and Jane will have their marriage blessed at All Saints on 17 October as part of the normal morning service starting at 10:00 to which all of Brandeston is invited.

More photos here.

Photos: Jess Morgan Photography, London

Brandeston’s Tea Party for David Risk - 15 August 2010

The village’s secret plan for a collection and tea party to celebrate David Risk’s fifty years on the Parish Council couldn’t have worked out better. On Sunday, 15 August, David appeared to be genuinely surprised by the crowd waiting for him in the hall when he was persuaded by Ruth to pop into the village hall after a family lunch.

His entrance was enhanced by PCSO Christian Hassler, who had arrived a few moments before him, holding the door open for his entrance.

David’s commendable milestone has already been acknowledged formally in two awards: the presentation by county councillor Peter Bellfield, at the 2010 Brandeston annual parish meeting of a SALC certificate for 50 years service, and then, at the beginning of August, the Suffolk ACRE’s Individual Initiative Award (see below) when David and Ruth were invited to attend a ceremony followed by lunch.   There were, of course, other nominees put forward for this award but David was announced as the winner.

During the tea party and after reminding everyone about David’s service to the village, Sue Thurlow presented David with his third award - the High Sheriff of Suffolk’s Volunteer of the Year award for 2009-10. David also received a collection from the village and a card signed by everyone at the party.

In responding, David thanked everyone who had contributed and attended and said that his aim at all times was to fight for and to promote Brandeston for the benefit of the people of the village.

Photos from the tea party can be seen here.

Eileen Leach’s 86th Birthday Party - 26 July 2010

Nick Hayward

Nick’s report and photos of Eileen’s recent birthday lunch.

Presentation to David Risk - 14 July 2010

David Risk being presented with the Campbell Cup for Individual Contribution to Community Achievement by Lord Tollemache, President of Suffolk ACRE, in recognition of his 50 years as a parish councillor.