Marriage of Sophie Elizabeth Frankland and Alistair James Chalmers Park
St. John's, Heronsgate, 13 July 2002

After what seemed like weeks of rain, the miracle of a perfect blue sky greeted Sophie Frankland, elder daughter of Derek and Helen Frankland, and grand-daughter of Con Greaves, of Daphnes, Heronsgate, on her wedding-day. Sophie walked to the church from Daphnes, wearing a cream silk dress and an embroidered deep rose-pink stole and shoes, with deep pink roses in her hair. Her sister Amy was bridesmaid. The church was blooming with country flowers, delphiniums, cornflowers, peonies and roses. The bridegroom, Alistair, son of Jim and Anne Chalmers Park, was supported by three Best Men.

The service was conducted by the Revd. Dr. Gordon Shaw, who had come down from Northumberland specially for the occasion. Derek Frankland read the lesson from St. John, and during the signing of the Register Simone Sauphanor (soprano), Miranda Walton (violin), Carolyn Pugh (oboe) and Chris Weaver (organ), played and sang Mozart's Laudate Dominum, Faure's Chanson d’Amour, and Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach. A reception was held in the Mayflower Barn at Jordans, ending with dancing round the Maypole.

It was followed the next day by a post-nuptial reception with music. Guests had been invited to bring their musical instruments with them. Sophie is a doctor and Alistair an IT Consultant, but their shared passion is music. They chose to celebrate their wedding by playing everything from Bach to Noel Coward with their families and friends in the Mayflower Barn. Sophie led the violins (including her new sister-in-law and mother-in-law), and Alistair the cellos (including his new sister-in-law Amy, and his father). One piece featured eight cellos in concert! The prayer made on their wedding day "May the hospitality of their home bring refreshment and joy to all around them" was already being fulfilled. Trestle-tables were spread in the garden with delicious home- made food, and guests sat on the grass -a real fete champetre. It was a special joy that Con, aged 94, was well enough to attend and enjoy both her grand-daughter's wedding, and the post-nuptial celebrations. Our love and prayers go with Sophie and Alistair, for a long and blessed married life.

Pam Hatfield

Source:
Chronicle - the news of the Parish of Mill End and Heronsgate with West Hyde. August / September 2002