Belmore Lodge - News

Leading nursing home Belmore Lodge celebrates its first wedding.

November 18, 2010

On October 21, one of Belmore Lodge’s residents Neil Allan married his sweetheart Veronica Sherwood in a civil ceremony held at Colten Care’s nursing home in Lymington, Hampshire.
 
As many brides will appreciate, the preparation for the wedding was not without its dramas. Owing to Neil’s poor health he was too frail to make it to the Registrar’s office in Ringwood, so Karen Maidment, the Home Manager, convinced Ann Hemming, the New Forest Registrar and her colleague Pat Elmes, to hold the civil ceremony in the home. Originally Neil, 74, and Veronica, were due to marry on October 15, but a couple of days before the big day, Neil’s health failed and he was rushed to Southampton General Hospital. “It was dreadful,” said Veronica, “everyone had gone to so much effort particularly with all the decorations and flowers and it all just went to waste.”
 
Neil, however, rallied round and a few days later was well enough to return to Belmore Lodge. Both Neil and Veronica were very keen to attempt a second date as soon as possible and couldn’t believe it when the Registrar announced she was available on October 21. “It was amazing Karen managed to organise the whole wedding in just days. The lounge that the service was held in looked beautiful and everyone went to so much effort. It was wonderful and we were so happy.”
 
The wedding was witnessed by Karen, the home manager, and Bill Legg, an old friend of Veronica’s, as well as many of the residents of Belmore Lodge. The happy couple toasted their union with champagne and the home’s catering team provided a buffet and baked a wedding cake. The flowers were arranged by Susie Blackmore, a social carer at the nursing home.
 
“It was very a happy occasion,” said Karen. “I am just so pleased that it all came together on the day and that Neil and Veronica were able to celebrate their nuptials. It was the first time the Registrar had held a wedding in a nursing home.” 
 
The residents had such a good time they asked if the home could hold another wedding there soon.

Colten Care