Fire service interrupt Friday 13th wedding in Worthing

A BRIDE, groom and the guests at their wedding had to be evacuated mid-ceremony after a fire alarm was set off and a fire crew arrived.
W40651H13  David and Claire Hills with their sons Alfie and ElliottW40651H13  David and Claire Hills with their sons Alfie and Elliott
W40651H13 David and Claire Hills with their sons Alfie and Elliott

David and Claire Hills, 31 and 23, of King Edward Avenue, in Worthing, had just signed the register at Field Place, in The Boulevard, Worthing, when the alarm was raised and they were ushered to the fire safety meeting point in the car park.

David said: “To be honest as soon as the alarm went off everyone there was laughing. Everyone saw the funny side straight away.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Everything went fine apart from the alarm but it was quite shocking when we heard it.”

The pair tied the knot on Friday, September 13, a date which is often synonymous with misfortune.

“The reason why we had the wedding on Friday 13th was because our anniversary was that on that day and we moved in together on the 13th, so 13 is a big number for us and we thought it wouldn’t make a difference.” Said David.

He added: “We weren’t out for very long, about five minutes, it turned out there was a problem in the kitchen that set it off.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

David Liley, 57, of Arundel Road, High Salvington, has known Claire since she was born and was master of ceremonies at the wedding.

He said: “It was a smashing moment and of course it was a Friday 13th wedding.”

“Everyone had to troop out and stand in the carpark. The bride was waving and the fire engine was hooting its horn.

“They saved together the money for the wedding and all the traditions were observed. It was a nice day with around 50 people there.”

The best man and the chief bridesmaid signed the register outside.

The newlyweds later went on a family holiday to Haven in Hastings with their two sons, Alfie and Elliott, instead of a honeymoon.

Related topics: