Full circle

Late afternoon sees us making our way to St Margaret's Church in Happy Valley - the raison d'etre for the Hong Kong trip.  My mum and dad married here on 5 November 1966 and posed for a photograph on the steps.

The steps up to St Margaret's Church

Today Wendy and Bill get to recreate the moment.  So do mum and dad.  They get to stand at the same spot they stood as newlyweds 47 years ago.  My dad mightn't have confetti on his shoulders anymore and my mum mightn't be sporting a flowing veil but the smiles are the same and they still look fabulous.

Looking back - my mum and dad on their wedding day and 47 years later

The next generation of newlyweds - Wendy and Bill recreate the moment

There is a short blessing inside the chapel to celebrate the happy marriage once again. Father Hanley is a Brooklyn priest who may have the grizzled appearance of an old man but whose sense of humour is still vital and sharp.  He reminds me of the stereotypical clergyman who has visited the sherry cupboard a few too many times.  He is warm and wonderful and the ceremony is fitting and sincere.

For me the happiest part of the afternoon is seeing my Godmother again.  I haven't seen her for 20 years but she is the same warm, generous, jovial and indomitable Aida.  Age really hasn't wearied her.  Her 81 years might have slowed her down but only a bit. She still goes swimming (a relatively 'new' hobby which she only took up at the age of 70) and her characteristic razor sharp wit remains.

My most gorgeous Godmother Aida

Outside the church with family and friends

From the church we make our way to Moon Koon Restaurant overlooking the Happy Valley Racecourse.  We are joined by more good friends and are fortunate enough to have a private dining room.  No races on today which is just as well because it doesn't detract from my dad who gives his Father of the Bride speech again.  And it is received just as well as it was originally in Perth a few nights ago. 

Father of the Bride

The food is exquisite and the courses just keep coming.  Assorted BBQ meat, fish, asparagus, the most tender of vegetables, prawns, chicken, noodles and rice.  By the time dessert comes it's difficult to find space ... but then there's always room for baked sago with a surprise centre of lotus seed paste.  

The evening rolls on and by the time we all pour out of the restaurant after 11pm, we are all tired and full but happy.