We had a FAB weekend. I felt 15 years younger, ALL weekend! The trip down to the peak district was uneventful. We went via the Yorkshire Dales and spent a night in Ingleton at a lovely B&B called Seed Hill. Dinner in the local pub with all the locals, the town was lovely, the room was gorgeous and the breakfast was gigantic… and then we were on our way.

We had been carting our wedding present around with us for days… It took up most of the space in the car – and actually the reason we had to drive down.

With the help of Andy we bought the Weber Gold BBQ to fill the space in the backyard in Bamford. Not just any BBQ but a well researched BBQ along with all the necessary accessories for avid BBQers….

We arrived in Bamford around 12:30pm, wedding day. The bride & groom were just lazing about the house, waiting… We dropped off the gift, then headed into Castleton to our B&B Cryer House. It was a lovely tea house, very chintzy, but very nice. And perfectly… right next door to the pub! An hour or so then we were ready to go see our favourite hillwalkers get married. Of course we were running late. We’re always running late. This time it was terrible… we were supposed to be there for the ceremony at 3pm. At 3.10pm we were still cursing each other, the little country roads, and out of date maps, while speeding about little villages in our very tired Clio. We got there, thankfully before it was over (it seems there were others running late also…) and managed to catch the most important bit about promises, vows and then the kiss. Several photos later, in the doorway, in the garden, under the tree, with the brides family, the grooms family, all the family, all the friends etc.. and we headed back to Castleton to the pub to celebrate.

It was a great evening. The food was excellent, everyone was happy, more people showed up to wish the couple all the best, we had a lovely time. More photos, a few more beers, then wine, then back on the beer, a couple of brandy’s and then to finish off we agreed on some whisky – and then just because we could – another couple of bottles of red wine.

I should have felt terrible the next morning. But nope – I was miraculously fine. I had my mushrooms on toast at the B&B, then we trundled next door to the pub to have coffee with whoever was up. We saw Barry & Michelle screeching out of the carpark in a hairdressers blue jeep covered in balloons and signs announcing “just married”. I think Barry thought the faster he drove, the less people would see the decorated jeep…

A plan was drawn up to meet at the couples house in Bamford and try out the new BBQ. A great plan. We stopped at the liquor store to restock then headed over. We didn’t quite make it to the house, sensing that there might be a few characters already in the local pub. So we stopped and checked it out. Sure enough, the boys were at the pub playing pool and drinking beer. We sat down and joined in – token girls in a mans world. Considering it was only early, 11ish, the beer was going down very very well. We managed a few pints before Barry’s new WIFE appeared requesting his presence at the house to unwrap gifts before some family members had to take off. It was hilarious. Of course the jokes started, you know, the end of your life as you know it, you have to advise the bartender you’re not here, etc, etc… all in jest, of course! Of course!

Next we did the gift thing, oohing and aaahing as all were revealed. Photos were taken again, the cake cut, digital pictures played back on the telly – and the BBQ was assembled outside. It was a beautiful day for a picnic. We ate and drank lazily all afternoon, with people slowing taking their leave. By 9pm it was only Barry’s brothers Colin, Stewart and his family, and us left. We did one last run to the pub for the closing pints of the evening, before a cocktail quiz with Michelle making all sorts, starting with slippery nipples (considering the opening cocktail, you can imagine how badly they ended up…) We finally left in a taxi at 1.30am. I believe they continued another couple of hours or so, ensuring that the Tia Maria and the gin were really and truly finished.

Again. I was up with no hangover. Amazing. It must be the mix. I’ll have to try and remember the order! We said our final goodbyes to the Cumming brothers and Michelle around 10 and headed off into the sunshine. The drive was long and boring. Mostly motorway all the way home. A terrible day to travel, absolutely the most beautiful day we’ve had so far this summer… and we spent it driving 6 hours in a hot little car… nevermind. The weekend was FAB. I haven’t laughed so much in a very long time.

CONGRATULATIONS Barry & Michelle. We had an excellent time.

P.S. You can see all the photos Michelle took on the digital camera here… I used the SLR and took some B&W photos – any good ones I’ll post once I get a chance to go develop and print them… Could be a little while though, mum & Pete arrive on Friday…..