SOLDIER GROOM
The marriage took place on Saturday at St James’ Church of Miss Kathleen Helen Crane, seventh daughter of Mr & Mrs G H Crane, Synehurst, Badsey, and Private Harry Hitchcox, 43 Mill Bank, Evesham. Canon W C Allsebrook officiated. The bride, who was given away by her father, was charmingly attired in an ankle-length gown of white satin with veil held in place by a wreath of orange blossom. She carried a bouquet of pink roses and maidenhair fern. The bride was attended by four bridesmaids, the elder bridesmaids being Miss Hilary Crane (sister) and Miss Nora Dawson who wore ankle-length dresses of mauve taffeta with head-dresses of mauve veils held in place by a wreath of anemones. The tiny bridesmaids, Helen Eccles, niece of the bride, and Mary Gould, were in pink floral ankle-length dresses with silver Juliet caps and silver shoes. They all carried bouquets of sweet peas. Mr Alfred Hitchcox, brother of the groom, was best man. The bride’s mother wore a dress of navy blue silk with hat to tone and the groom’s mother was attired in a dress of black silk crepe with floral design and matching accessories. The ceremony was fully choral and the hymns, “Lead us, Heavenly Father, lead us” and “O, Perfect Love” and the wedding march were played by Mr Henry King at the organ. One of the witnesses to sign the register was Badsey’s oldest inhabitant, Mr William Mustoe, who this year will celebrate his 100th birthday. On leaving the church the bride was presented with a silver horseshoe from two nephews, Master David Eccles and Douglas John Such, and a wooden spoon from Master Ian Tandy. The bridegroom’s present to the bride was a cheque and to the bridesmaids he gave silver bracelets. Among the presents received were a chiming clock from fellow employees of the bride and a silver cruet from the officers and men of the unit to which the groom is now attached. A reception was held at the Royal Oak, Badsey, where between 50 and 60 guests were present. The bride’s travelling costume was a coat of dusty pink with matching dress and black hat.