38 years ago today


Thank you for joining me today on our 38th wedding anniversary. Apologies for this thoroughly sentimental walk down memory lane, as we travel to the Registry Office on St Mary's for the ceremony, then by taxi, boat and finally horse and cart to our Wedding Reception at the Island Hotel on Tresco. Steve and I, both 23 years old, felt ready to embark on this lifelong journey together and it still makes me smile to see how terribly young we look. 





This handsome young man stole my heart.





Sitting inside the cabin of the Commodore with family surrounding me, the day took on a dreamlike quality. Basking in sunshine we were protected from the wild October weather. I was bathed in the rosy glow of the bride, oblivious of the storm that raged all around us. Our friends and family were sporting full wet-gear and some were even tucked under a tarpaulin in an attempt to keep their finery dry on the inter-island crossing. 


Our boatman, the legendary David Stedeford, steered us safely through the boiling sea between the islands. All other boating had been cancelled that day due to the raging storm.



As the boat pitched and rolled in the heavy sea, my poor Maid of Honour, Marjory was holding on for grim death, puking over the side as seasickness overwhelmed her. Nobody knew, as she was tucked under the tarpaulin, head being thrashed by the waves as they slopped over the side of the boat. Poor Marjory!


Old Grimbsy quay, sanctuary from the gale.





It was a great privilege to be taken by horse and cart to our Wedding Reception at the Island Hotel. We were the last couple to enjoy this romantic mode of transport before the horse and cart were retired.


Behind us Steve's fellow crew members of the Czar held the gig paddles aloft - the honour of an archway of oars is an old island tradition.


And so, 38 years down the line, my memories of the day are some of the happiest of my life. I somehow had been lucky enough to land the most eligible bachelor on the island and he had promised to love and cherish me forever. And he has. But more than that, he has taught me some of his best qualities: humility, loyalty and diplomacy. He has anchored me when the storms of life have battered me, showing me a personal strength that I didn't know existed within me. He has encouraged and supported my outrageous adventures, believing in me even when I might lose sight of my goal. He's my protector, my mentor, my best friend. Susan Holmes sums up perfectly my feelings on my darling husband.


Anna x

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