Weekend wedding fever














St Peter's Church, venue for one of the weekend events

I know that some of my closet-royalist American readers are closely following news of the wedding on Friday 29 April between Prince William and Kate Middleton. Many Budleigh Salterton people are equally enthusiastic about the prospect of all that rejoicing at the happy event, including the extra bank holiday that the UK will enjoy. The misery guts at the Department of Business have estimated that the cost of this in loss of working days will come to around £2.9 billion, and it's true, we are in a recession. But royal weddings don't happen all that often, and some British businesses are actually hoping to do rather well out of the event. Just click on http://www.theroyalweddingwilliamkate.com/ to see what I mean.



















Anyway some good causes will certainly benefit. At St Peter's Church in Budleigh they've been planning a display of over 40 wedding dresses for some time to coincide with the national weekend festivities. 'Wedding Belles' is what they're calling the exhibition at St Peter's Church, which runs from Saturday 30 April until Monday 2 May. Hours are from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturday and Monday, and12.00 pm to 5.00 pm on Sunday. Entrance is £3.00 with under-12 years going free. Refreshments will be available in The Peter Hall. All proceeds will go to the Church Maintenance Fund.



















Later on, the same day, there's a Family Fun Night at Budleigh's Public Hall from 7.00 to 11.00 pm, with Disco, Karaoke, Sausage & Mash Supper, Children's Games, and a Raffle, all on a 'Red, White & Blue' Fancy Dress Theme with a prize for the best dressed. Tickets are £2.50, which includes supper, and are available from the Town Council Offices and The Card Shop Too. Guests are invited to bring their own drinks. On Sunday 1 May the feasting continues with a Community Picnic on The Green, from 12.30 pm to 4.00 pm. Entry is free and people are invited to bring a picnic to share with their family and friends. A Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Magician, and Games are among the attractions. Soft drinks and of course cream teas will be available. If the weather refuses to join in with the festivities the event will be in the Public Hall.

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