"Tracy B Terrifies Tom L at Traddock Hotel"

Here's a photograph taken at R+K's wedding a fortnight ago ( see blog post September 12th)

And YES, you're right, it IS Tracy Barlow, ex Coronation Street murderess, who must've been " let out" for the night.

Scary Tracy's here with my lovely nephew, Tom. But really,Tom wasn't scared of her at all; he hugely enjoyed meeting her, and he now has the above picture as his glamorous computer screensaver... *** ( see end of post for more on "Tracy")

R+K's wedding reception took place in the Yorkshire Dales at the Traddock Hotel, Austwick, after a marriage service cheerfully conducted by Rev Ian Greenhalgh at the Church of the Holy Epiphany.

The church was merely a few minutes walk from the Traddock. And YES, we SO enjoyed this walk through the village: the bridal pair, happy and gorgeous, the guests in their finery, glowing and laughing, the brilliant sunshine, cameras snapping, the air full of greetings and chatter and rose pink confetti...

And then to the Traddock, where we sipped Pimms and champers on lush green lawns, as we mingled and talked and listened to the mellow tones of Phil Gregory's jazz combo..

ALL this before a delicious wedding breakfast, including five stunning "speeches" ( bride's vivacious sister, vivacious groom himself, groom's vivacious brother, groom's vivacious friend, groom's vivacious father...)

And in the evening, Phil's jazz combo showed their versatility with rock, pop, House, Indie and more......and the incredible Austwick served up a supper which was a perfect end to a ( sounds naff but it's true!) a Perfect Day.

R+K, now in Malaysia, planned the wedding superbly; we all enjoyed every minute and know that they'll be very very happy. And if you're reading this, R+K, in some internet shack on the Perenthian Islands, lots of love to you both....

Please see http://www.austwicktraddock.co.uk/ because it's well worth treating yourself!

HOWEVER, back to" Corrie" :

SOME folk I know never "admit" to watching " Coronation Street". Hmm. At its mention, eyes glaze over, frowns appear, folk look bewildered. But if this IS true ( ie that they've never in all their born days watched TV's longest running soap ) then they are quite simply Missing A Treat.

Corrie's writing is consistently good; it encompasses tragedy and comedy in equal measure. Over the years, it's documented a valuable social history of northern England, describing changes and situations, dilemnas, successes; all this through its characters, its storylines, its dialogue and settings. Its characters often beguile us and its plotlines sometimes become national talking points. Youthful actors started their careers in its cobbled streets and established, successful ones have been delighted to return for a while, appearing in a " cameo" role, becoming part of something extra special.

And ALSO, something really rather precious.

**** Tracy B. was played by lovely Kate Ford, who was a delight to meet at the wedding

She was an evening guest, along with her fiancee, equally delightful Jon Connerty, old schoolfriend of my son, the groom. Jon is now a TV director in London; he and Kate marry this Autumn. Lots of happiness, Jon and Kate, if you're about.