They didn’t need any more toasters       

By Sarah Johnson WEDDING BELLS rang by the River Tweed last Saturday when Sandra Grant said “I do” to Colin Wood — but that wasn’t the only touching moment of the day. After nine years together, Colin proposed unexpectedly to Sandra on her 50th birthday last September. The date was set, hotel booked, dresses chosen . . . everything was in place. But one decision was still to be made — the presents.

Colin and Sandra on their happy day.

Their guests were asking what they would like as wedding gifts and, as there are only so many toasters and towels one home can take, Sandra and Colin considered an alternative.  Together, the couple have eight children, five grandchildren and a lifetime of belongings, so they decided to use their happy day to bring light to the children of CHAS. Sandra said, “We’ve been following your CHAS appeal and everyone thought it was a wonderful idea.”  The service took place in the conservatory of Ednam House Hotel, Kelso. The bride wore an elegant antique satin cream dress with pearls sewn into the basque. Sandra said, “Everything was just perfect. Everyone seemed to have as wonderful a time as we did — and that was all that mattered to us.” Colin’s daughter, Sonia, emigrated five weeks ago to America with her husband, but returned for the wedding which made the family event complete. The 100 guests made the happy couple proud by donating £1200. Sandra said, “We’d just like to thank all our guests for all their kind donations and for making our day so special.”

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