A toast to Brian and Jackie
Sunday, December 19, 2010 I was hoping to be in Edinburgh tonight celebrating Brian Monteith's wedding to Jackie Anderson although, if I'm not mistaken, Brian and Jackie have been on some sort of extended honeymoon for two years (at least) so it may come as a surprise to some people that they are not already married.
It's a happy story because Brian and Jackie were at school together in Portobello and were reacquainted at a school reunion a few years ago. Since then they've spent a year in Trinidad and have travelled the world, returning from time to time to Scotland where they catch their breath before setting off on another foreign jaunt.
Anyway, following their wedding yesterday the happy couple have booked the City Chambers overlooking the statue of Adam Smith in the High Street (aka the Royal Mile) for what is generally known as a "bit of a do".
Unfortunately my wife and I can't be there because apart from the weather (heavy snow was forecast in Edinburgh today) my father is in hospital after breaking his hip earlier in the week. He's also on dialysis and had a heart transplant 13 years ago so it's fair to say there are complications!
Consequently, while guests were preparing to enjoy a "very special evening" in Edinburgh, I spent the afternoon at the Royal Derby Hospital.
Tonight however we shall be raising a glass or two to Brian and Jackie - while watching the final of The Apprentice - and I hope you will join me in sending them our very best wishes. Bon voyage!
Simon Clark
Brian writes:
The snow just keeps falling! The celebration went well with the band's singer getting into Edinburgh by 5.00pm last night after two days' travel from London. The rest of the band arrived at 2.00am the night before!! Much fun was had by all however - now for the honeymoon travel!
Reader Comments (2)
Best wishes Mr & Mrs M. I met him at the Bully State book launch, nice guy.
Perhaps he'll get a razor as a wedding present. ;)
Indeed so, DP - and our best wishes to Simon and his father. In fact, hard though it may seem to be, we might also extend our best wishes for the future to Ms Arnott and Ms Milton. It is just about possible for them to understand that adults can decide for themselves whether or not to take risks, and it may also be possible for them to understand that children belong to their parents and not to the State and not to ASH in particular. And so we will wish them and their friends well in their personal lives in this season of goodwill. No doubt the antagonism will resume in the new year.