Love Is In The Air - A Canterbury Tale‏

Life is too short not to take the opportunities that are presented to you to live it to the full. No matter how old, or young, there is always a chance that cupid's arrow will strike. A few weeks before his 80th birthday, Keith's dad, was going to be married for a second time. After the death of Marjorie, his first wife, four years ago, Ralph had settled into a new life in Canterbury. He was only interested in making new friends and helping the elderly residents of the flats where he now lived. But you never know where romance will blossom. One resident, Maria, much younger than the rest, attracted his eye. A close friendship developed as Maria encouraged Ralph to look after his appearance and develop a wide range of interests. As well as being pub buddies, they both have a love of travel and went together on holidays around the UK and Europe. As friendship turned to love, Ralph and Maria took the next step and decided that they wanted to make a commitment to each other. Which is why, on the 7th December, the family gathered in the registry office in Canterbury to witness their marriage. 

James and Rob brought their girlfriends, Laura and Sarah, to the wedding. It was the first time the girls had met the entire Bryant family and they both made a great impression. 

The following morning Keith and Jan took some time to explore the old city with its many period buildings and spectacular cathedral, the spiritual home of the leader of the Church of England. The original church was founded by St Augustine in 597, but it was completely rebuilt in the 11th century and then extended to accommodate pilgrims visiting the shrine of Thomas Becket, the archbishop who was murdered in the cathedral in 1170. 


After visiting the magnificent cathedral, we even managed a little Christmas shopping - which mainly consisted of Keith standing outside the shops while Jan went and fought through the throng inside.

Ralph and Maria in the meantime were enjoying their first day of married life and working on the plans for their honeymoon. In true Bryant style, they are going on a three month round-the-world trip. A trip which will be gruelling at times but one that will bring many wonderful new experiences. They will truly be living life to the full together.