After checking into our accommodation we set off to check out Gloucester, firstly congratulating ourselves on the fact the Travelodge we were staying in was part of an Outlet mall complex, so the shops were just to the right of the main doors, but this mall also included a Cadbury outlet shop! Good luck some would say…more like good management! After a short walk into town we found the Docks of which Gloucester is known for and are in the process of being done up as quite a touristy spot but still keeping the original Victorian port style of the area intact.
Some searching for internet was required as the price paid for having accommodation right beside a mall is horrendously expensive wi-fi ($20 for 24 hours), once again McDonalds saved the day with free wi-fi and we were able to book some accommodation in Cardiff for the next couple of days… phew!
The next morning we headed back into town as we had been advised you cannot go to Gloucester without checking out the Cathedral.
It was definitely worth the visit a) because it was free and b) because it was free! After seeing a lot of Cathedrals so far in our travels Gloucester was definitely up there as one of the best with its beautiful stained glass windows, impressive, expansive building and large amount of history.
Being the tight back-packers that we are we decided to arrive at the wedding in style… public bus style! With the helpful instructions from the receptionist we set out to make it to the church in time for the ceremony at 4pm.
We thought the wedding was beautiful, it had Sarah’s touch and was a great day for all of Sarah and Dave’s UK friends (and us token Kiwi’s!). Dave Whitaker took the ceremony and he is one of the leader’s of the church who sent Sarah to New Zealand to work with TSCF in Lincoln… he mentioned that when they sent Sarah to NZ be a fisher of men, they didn’t mean it literally! I’ll let the photos speak for themselves, but the fake moustache favours were a hit with Table 9 and everyone was really welcoming and friendly and the sweet swing band made for a great night!
The lovely Alison
Dr Dave and Mrs Monks
The wedding car
Lady Abigail has now got an ulter-ego, thanks to a typo... Aggie!
Swing band-tastic
The amazing cake - Lemon and Chocolate Cupcakes...yummm!
Moustache madness at Table 9
Love it that you've been to Gloucester. Not much to keep the tourist, so I hope you felt like locals.
ReplyDeleteYou stayed in TravelLodge in the new outlet mall? That's all been built I think since we left. How things change eh... When the docks were starting to be done up Lizzy and I nearly bought a flat in one of those old warehouses, very close to her work. But in the end we bought a place nearer where our church (and Sarah's and David Whitaker's!) met. No regrets.
Ah Gloucester. I'd like to have a holiday there soon.....
Keep the stories coming you four!
Mothy