Wedding antics and country customs
The Digger recalls how nuptials used to be marked
Wedding Antics & Country Customs
A comical postcard from the early 1900’s depicting newly-weds. Perhaps the couple had been "pipped-at-the-post" by the local "homers". Weddings are often a time when some family members let their "hair-down". That may well mean participating in pre-nuptial antics at "stag" and "hen" nights, or engaging in some vehicle decoration when seeing off the newly weds.
Handfuls of confetti over the happy couple as they exit the venue, has caused much annoyance to the local sexton or caretaker over the years, who has the unenviable task of cleaning it up. That path can so often be smoothed by the discreet passing of a small gratuity.
In Victorian times, the practice of throwing rice was common. In May 1899 it was reported that well-wishers in the village had gathered outside Charing Parish Church and hurled showers of rice at the newly weds in their carriage. This resulted in frightening the horses, who in turn bolted, and running the carriage up a bank, overturning it. The couple were lucky and survived the experience, suffering from cuts and shock.
Receipt – David McCartney – The Grand Stand Garage
This receipt, although undated, is from the 1970s. It has been issued by The Grand Stand Garage proprietor David McCartney.
The Grand Stand Garage receipt