| Notes: | The Ipswich Journal
Tuesday, 2 May 1871, Page 2
BANHAM.
MARRIAGE FESTIVITIES.-This usually quiet village was on Thursday last the scene of an interesting excitement, in consequence of the celebration of the marriage of Miss Alice Lydia Fardell, third daughter of the Rev. J. G. Fardell, rector of the parish, with the Rev. Ellice Keppel, rector of the parish of Winfarthing. By a very early hour some of the parishioners, to show their high appreciation of a young lady who is beloved by all who know her. had erected a floral arch across the road leading from the Rectory to the Church gates, having on the East face the motto, “God bless the happy pair!” and on the West, “May health and happiness attend you!” whilst across the Church gates was suspended a wreath in the shape of a monogram, forming the initials of the bride and bridegroom. A white flag floated from the Church spire, the bells rang out their merry peals, all indicating the nature of the day’s festivities. By half-past ten the Church was filled to overflowing, and soon after eleven all the invited guests having arrived, the bridegroom, accompanied by his “best man,” took his place before the altar, supported by five groomsmen, grouped on either side; ten bridesmaids at the same time ranged themselves, and upon the arrival of the bride, escorted by her father, she was received by the clergy, who led the procession up the aisle, followed by the bridesmaids, two and two, and the whole effect was most pleasing. The ceremony was performed by the Ven. Archdeacon Hopper, assisted by the Rev. C. R. Manning, rector of Diss, and the Rev. Temple Frere, rector of Burston. The service was semi-choral, and before the final exhortation, the Anthem from the 133rd Psalm was sung by the Banham choir. Upon leaving the Church the wedding party passed through a double row of school children, who bestrewed the path with wild flowers. The children then repaired to the Rectory grounds, and having been supplied with refreshments and giving three hearty cheers, they bade their friends and teachers farewell. The breakfast was laid out in a spacious marquee, upon the lawn, and was of the most recherche description. The bridal gifts were numerous, and some of them very costly, presented by the members of both families. A silver salver was given io the bridegroom, by the parishioners of his parish, on which was engraved “Presented by the parishioners of Winfarthing, to the Rev. Ellice Keppel, on the occasion of his marriage, with even kind wish for his future happiness and prosperity, April 27th, 1871.” A gilt inkstand was also given by the Winfarthing school children, and a handsome silver cruet stand, by the boys of the Banham upper School. Many other gifts were also given to the bride by ladies of the parish. Upwards of seventy guests accepted invitations to be present at the sumptuous breakfast, and the whole day passed off with proverbial pleasantness “merry as marriage bells.” |
