After finishing training on Friday afternoon, I flew from Paris to Manchester and then caught the train to Todmorden. This time, and for the rest of the trip, my travel went much more smoothly.

I must’ve looked a bit of a wreak after training, since all my relatives kindly pointed out how tired I looked. I was whisked immediately from the train station to the pub across the street where I soon caught up with Auntie Linda, Uncle John, Mum, Tom and his girlfriend ‘Lisa, Bill, his kids John and Toni, and Les Gates (a former collegue of Bills and the younger brother of the Cameron that was born just before me in Waipu and led to the spelling of my name as Camryn).

After a good night’s sleep at Linda and John’s, the next morning was the wedding. Mum and Bill had given us all tasks… mine were ushering and photography. Apparently the theme was pink, although I wasn’t told and wore a pinkish tie simply by chance (if superb fashion sense can be called chance).

Anyway, the wedding itself followed the standard format with some roles updated for the specific occasion and modern times (e.g. Bill was “presented” by his kids). It was great to be there for such a special day and to see so much of my family in one place at one time, all dressed up. And to see the family extended and many people meeting for the first time e.g. meeting Tom’s girlfriend, and Bill’s family meeting various relatives and such.

The reception was at the Shepherd’s Rest, a local anicent pub, and much was consumed. That evening, much more was consumed (mostly liquid) in a few pubs in Tod. The speeches were all pretty good. Tom and I did a joint speak were I compared the happy couple to merging companies and he compared them to selecting the right stock for your herd at a saleyard. I guess you had to be there.

The next day Tom, Malisa, Jane and I went to Preston to see some showjumping. It wasn’t the greatest weather, compared to France anyway, but it was a fun day. The local horses seemed a bit chubby, but they got around.

That night, we all went up to the B&B where Mum and Bill were staying for Chinese takeout, and some quality family time over Trivial Pursuit and beers. I flew out the next morning. It took all of Monday. Now, I’m back in SF.

More Photos >> Wedding, Horses

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