It's been a very social week.  Last Thursday, we were delighted to be invited to my uncle Steve's wedding.  Steve is a geology professor in the University of Waterloo, Ontario, but his many field trips and globetrotting mean that we in Wales see him regularly.  Nancy, his fiance/wife is based in Stratford, Ontario but has family in the UK.  You can see Steve's academic profile here.  

The wedding took place at Clyne Chapel, Swansea, just at the foot of Clyne Gardens.  The reason for selecting this venue was the connection to our family.  My grandfather, Steve's father, was curate here and several members of the family including at least three of my brother's siblings were christened here.  As a result, it is held in great affection as well as being a very beautiful little place of worship. 

Steve has been married before and has two children, my cousins Sarah and Matthew, now both grown up and in their thirties.  Unfortunately, they weren't able to come over for the wedding but there will be a another Canadian celebration when the couple return.  My uncle David was best man, and it was great to see Hilary, my aunt and lots of other family members.  The service was beautiful and my uncle Philip videorecorded it for those (such as my uncle Richard in New Zealand) who couldn't be there. 

Nancy looked stunning. Marrying as a more mature lady and looking both bridal and elegant is a challenge that she pulled off beautifully.  She wore an ivory dress with an old gold lace shrug, and carried an elegant and simple bouquet.   Like many family members we reflected on the fact that it was the first major Evans family gathering without my father there.  

After taking the pictures,we returned down the hill to the Woodman just a few minutes away, for drinks and the reception.  We'd pre-ordered our food and the reception went beautifully, with lovely friendly staff in the pub, some great speeches, a very tasty meal and a champagne toast to the happy couple.  Rita and Roger had kindly agreed to come over and dog sit for us, so we weren't too constrained by the clock.  We eventually left around six after a thoroughly happy day to drive back up to Cardiff.  

 

On Sunday we had another family engagement, this time in Bath, for the fortieth birthday celebrations for Basil, Claire's husband.  Basil had bravely (considering the awful weather lately) decided to press ahead with a barbeque.  There was a gathering of family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and it was great to catch up with Basil's brother Ambrose. We also were treated to a tour of the new attic bedroom by James - he was delighted to now have his own room, and not to be sharing with his brother.  The views from the roof were stunning, looking across to Solsbury Hill (yes, the one in the Genesis song).  

 

We had all contributed to Basil's gift - he is a keen cyclist so there was a very special new bike saddle and a pair of cycling shorts.  He was delighted.  Sadly, we couldn't stay so long this time since the dogs were at home, so we came home after another lovely afternoon.  Amazingly it stayed dry, but this week has been a continuation of the appalling weather.  The rain just seems interminable.