A Grand Day Out” - Steve and Jo’s wedding day recounted by Alan Hewitt.

I threatened to turn up in my leprechaun suit and still they invited me! Seriously though, it was a thrill to be invited to witness Steve and Jo’s wedding. It has been my great pleasure to watch the happiness that they bring to each other blossom and grow. Jo has been an immeasurable help to Steve and a boon to the fans as well and so to see them tying the knot at last was a real delight.

St Albans was the venue for the ceremony and so imagine the surprise as I and fellow Hacketteer, Stephanie Kennedy arrived at the Registry Office to find out that officially it wasn’t open on Saturdays! Fortunately, shortly after our arrival the happy couple showed up so at least we knew we were in the right place and, more importantly, the right time! Other guests and family members gradually began to arrive including some other well known members of the Hackett fan base as well as the usual familiar family members. It was a great pleasure to finally get to meet the rest of Jo’s family at last.

In keeping with the rest of the day, the ceremony was simple but delightful, the selection of readings read by Harry Pearce and Nick Clabburn was inspired, especially The Apache Blessing, which somehow summed up the feelings of everyone present. Formalities over, it was soon time for us to begin the celebrations and Steph and I found ourselves being chauffeured to the occasion by the newly wed Mr and Mrs Hackett themselves!

Buckettsland Farm was the venue for the celebrations and a more delightful location would be difficult to imagine. The weather gods were on our side and brilliant sunshine accompanied the entire day. Being the kind of nosy beggar that I am, I checked out the names allocated to the various tables for the meal and was gratified to see a smattering of well known associates of Steve’s as well as some quite famous personages too. Taking my place it was great to make the acquaintance of some new friends, and during the rest of the day it was great to catch up with some old acquaintances as well as making new ones.

All in all, a fantastic day to be a part of and my grateful thanks to Steve and Jo for allowing me to be a part of it.