Valentine's weekend is being celebrated in romantic style today (Friday) by two of St Cleer's senior citizens - for they have picked February 11 as their wedding day.
Brian Abell, 78, and 79-year-old Mary Rhodes, are to tie the knot at Liskeard Register Office at 12.30pm before a service of blessing, taken by Canon Maurice Friggins, at St Cleer parish church, an hour later. Afterwards bride and groom will adjourn, with close family and friends, to the Market Inn at St Cleer for a wedding breakfast.
Brian, who has been a widower for ten years, and Mary, a divorcee for 28 years, met each other while on a trip to the Isles of Scilly on the boat, The Scillonian. As a result they will be taking their honeymoon on the Isles of Scilly, although later in the year, when the weather turns warmer.
Brian, of Trecarne View, became engaged to Mary around three weeks ago. He has given her an antique engagement ring with an emerald in the shape of a heart, surrounded by diamonds. Mary said that Bobby Muchmore at Time and Motion jewellers in Liskeard helped him track down an appropriately romantic ring. She said: 'It was so apt with Valentine's Day so near. It was such a surprise. I wasn't expecting such a lovely ring.'
Best man at the wedding ceremony will be Brian's son, David, while among the others attending will be Mary's daughter, Voirrey Faragher, and supporter Desmond Green, a long time friend of Brian's.
Mary was living in Liskeard when she first met Brian, but later moved to Humphries Close in St Cleer to cut down the amount of time spent journeying between town and village. She said: 'I am sure we will be very happy together.'
Of the fact that the groom is a year younger than she is, she joked: 'I suppose you could say that he is my toy boy. You could add that if you have patience you will find someone special.'