Catherine and Mark Campbell get married in Barnstaple after Journal appeal

By [jcooper]

A COUPLE from Manchester who appealed for wedding witnesses through the Journal have managed to tie the knot — all thanks to the kindness of local people.

Mark Campbell and his new wife, Catherine (nee Webb), were married in Barnstaple register office, with more than 15 guests who were all invited after responding to an appeal by the couple in the Journal on May 29.

The couple were so overwhelmed with the response from the article that not only did they manage to secure the four witnesses required, but an extra 11 guests were also invited, along with a bridesmaid and page boy.

The bride's bouquet was provided free of charge by Reynolds Florists in Ilfracombe and the witnesses even baked a cake for their special day.

Speaking at the reception, held at the Westleigh Inn near Bideford on the advice of Journal witness Joan Diamond-Magnoni, the happy couple offered their thanks to the paper.

Mr Campbell said: “Without these wonderful people who have turned up today out of the goodness of their hearts, our special day just wouldn't have happened.

“We travelled down from Manchester last Wednesday in the pouring rain and thought that might have been a bad omen for the day.

“Fortunately we have had nothing but sunshine today and the whole experience has been overwhelming.”

The bride said: “We were leaving our guest house at Philham Cottage and as we drove along heard a loud banging noise which sounded like a flat tyre or engine problems.

“We pulled over and a local farmer offered to look under the bonnet for us as we were all dressed up.

“Just as he was about to pop the hood he noticed that the balloons we had tied to the aerial of the car were banging around in the wind.

“We couldn't thank him enough and headed off to Barnstaple civic centre for the ceremony.”

The ceremony was described by guests as “wonderful” and “very touching”, with the groom admitting shedding a few tears of joy.

He said: “I could feel that I was blubbing a bit but didn't think it was too bad. However, when one of the registrars threw me a tissue I knew it must have been a right sight.”

The couple were then accompanied by their guests to the Westleigh Inn for the reception.

Joan Diamond-Mognoni, a witness who responded to the Journal story, said: “When I read the article I thought the date of their wedding looked familiar and it turned out to be my wedding anniversary too so I thought I had to get involved.

“It's been a fantastic day where I've managed to make some terrific new friends, meet a lovely couple and had the opportunity to buy a nice new hat.

“At my age you only get to go to funerals so this has made a nice change.”

Groom Mark added: “I would like to say a big thank you to the Journal and to everyone who has helped us on this happy day.

“It's been an overwhelming experience for us both and really shows that there are some kind hearted, lovely people here in North Devon.”