Shotgun wedding thrill in East Wittering

RESIDENTS at an East Wittering care home witnessed a shotgun wedding on Friday.

It was all part of the fun for National Care Homes Open day, staged as part of the Bupa in Bloom competition.

The shotgun scarecrow wedding ceremony in progess ks1500221-4placeholder image
The shotgun scarecrow wedding ceremony in progess ks1500221-4

Church Farm Residential Home, in Church Farm Lane, was one of 11 homes competing, with staff given the theme of ‘scarecrow with a difference’.

They came up with the idea of a shotgun wedding, featuring chef manager Fiona Doughty, who has worked there for 12 years, and maintenance man Michael Cooper, who joined the team five months ago.

Angiie Connor with her special wedding hat ks1500221-5placeholder image
Angiie Connor with her special wedding hat ks1500221-5

The couple have been together for 21 years so were happy to play bride and groom. The baby for the shotgun wedding was played by manager Doreen Saunders’ grandson Oliver and care assistant Tom Longland was the vicar.

A hen do was held in the build up to the big day and the wedding included country and western dancing before the couple rode off on a horse.

Guests then joined the 53 residents for afternoon entertainment and refreshments.

Activity co-ordinator Fatima Fredericks said: “The residents loved it and they thought the horses were a lovely touch.

Residents and guests watching the ceremony ks1500221-3placeholder image
Residents and guests watching the ceremony ks1500221-3

“We got carried away with it and everybody has helped. We have been working in it for four weeks and it has been so much fun.

“The residents decorated their hats themselves and have been a big part of the whole thing. They have so enjoyed it. It is the buzz of everyone working together, it is like a family.”

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Fiona Doughty, the scarecrow bride, Michael Cooper, the scarecrow groom, and 'vicar' Tom Longlandplaceholder image
Fiona Doughty, the scarecrow bride, Michael Cooper, the scarecrow groom, and 'vicar' Tom Longland

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