ST JAMES’ WEDDING
The wedding took place at St James’ Church, Badsey, last Saturday of Miss Freda Joan Hall, eldest daughter of Mr William Hall of Oakleigh, Badsey, and Gunner John Leslie Pratt, RA, youngest son of Mr & Mrs Thomas Pratt of King’s Lane, Norton, near Evesham. The Rev Canon W C Allsebrook RD officiated. A reception was held in the afternoon at the old schools, followed in the evening by a dance attended by 140 guests. The bride wore a gown of heavy ivory figured satin, cut on classical lines, with full skirt trimmed with small buttons on long tight sleeves and down the back. She wore an embroidered veil with a silver and orange blossom headdress and a double string of pearls (the gift of the bridegroom’s sister). She carried a sheaf of arum lilies. She was given away by her father. The three bridesmaids – Jean and Vera Hall (sisters) and Josie Sorrell (cousin) – wore lilac taffeta with minute frills on full-flared skirts and tight-fitting bodice with puffed sleeves. They carried lilac taffeta decorated muffs and wore headdresses and veils to match. Mr Walter Canning of Norton was best man. The bride’s travelling dress was of floral crepe de chine with navy accessories. Mr & Mrs Pratt received numerous presents, including monetary gifts from the bride’s workmates at a munition works where she is employed.