On Friday 30th November 2012 (Saint Andrew’s Day), Andrew Bowman and Eileen Edwards were married at Saint John’s Church, Shildon.
They live at Ross Walk in Newton Aycliffe, but were living in Shildon when they met in 2006, and got together in 2010. Even after moving from Shildon they retained close ties with Saint John’s Church which they regularly attend.
The Bride was given away by her oldest son Phillip; as sadly her Dad Alan died in 2007.
Her necklace, “Heart of the Ocean”, a sapphire surrounded by diamonds, was a pre-wedding present from Andrew, and one of the actual movie props from “Titanic”.
The Groom wore the traditional tartan of his clan, Bowman being part of Clan Farquharson.
The service, written by the happy couple, was conducted by the Reverend David Tomlinson, who early in the New Year is to be licensed as Vicar of Saint John’s.
David’s wife, Davina was Chief Bridesmaid, with Eileen’s daughter Laura, and Andrew’s daughter Matilda as Bridesmaids. Eileen’s youngest son, Gary was the Ring Bearer and Anthony McTearnan was Best Man.
Eileen is studying Theology at Durham High School for Girls and is hoping to enter the ordained ministry. Andrew was an independant book retailer until ill health forced early retirement.
The reception, a Masked Ball, was held at the Railway Institute on Redworth Road in Shildon. The newlyweds plan to go on honeymoon early in the New Year.
