05-Aug-06
Sarah and Stafford
Murray are wed ...

Malcolm Willstrop at a Squash Celebrity Wedding

Ludlow may not be the easiest place in the world to get to, and having made it, it may not be the most exciting place in the world either.

So it is testimony to the popularity of the above named pair, especially Sarah, that the squash fraternity was there in force: Peter Nicol, Lee Beachill, James Willstrop, Nick Matthew, England's world championship winning team, were all there despite the imminent Mamut English Open. I'm told that Peter and Lee saw the occasion as a crucial part of their preparation and both looked in excellent form!

Nor were the girls less well represented: Vicky Botwright, Tania Bailey, Alison Waters and Jenny Duncalf all added to the glamour. Sarah Kippax was there too with David Campion and England's senior coaching double-act, David Pearson and Paul Carter were in evidence, David on water as part of a new health and fitness regime.

Stewart Boswell was in attendance too, accompanying Vicky to add international flavour, not overdoing the drink, no doubt aware that he faces Anthony Ricketts in the first round at The Crucible.

Many of Stafford's workmates from the English Institute of Sport were in attendance, notable Alex Newton his boss, the bridegroom no doubt not wishing to jeopardise future job prospects – probably because he is otherwise unemployable.

Sylvan Richardson, director of 'Lost for Words' of which Stafford is an integral part, was with the delectable Janet and Lee made strenuous efforts to persuade Stafford, with Sylvan, himself and James to render the Stereophonics' favourite 'Dakota'.

The other three were up for it, but Stafford was having none of it. Indeed, as he rejected Lee's many overtures to perform, there was a nasty, steely look in his eye. Lee consequently reported to Sylvan and myself “He wouldn't do it!”. My guess is that Sarah had given him the order not to perform – musically, that is!

Andy Bunting was there, immaculately turned out but sporting a very unsightly black eye. His efforts to explain it ('I poked myself in the eye') hardly convinced those who heard it and several explanations were put forward, some of them unkind but more likely to be true than his feeble offering.

Andy and Pam Nickeas, continuing their social round, were clearly enjoying themselves and each other and it is good news that Andy will be officiating at both the Gerrard's in Manchester and the British Open in Nottingham.

Although I wasn't there earlier in the day, I understand Stafford employed three best men, probably to try to show how popular he is, and that the three gentlemen's speeches brought a tear to many an eye for a variety of reasons.

A long journey home, back to Pontefract which, after Ludlow, seemed to be the centre of the world, at 3am. But, as Henry V said in even more demanding circumstances, 'those who were not there will think themselves accursed'.

It was a joyous and happy occasion. May Stafford's and Sarah's life together be equally so.


and thanks to Jenny Duncalf for the photos !!!