Third time lucky
Reporter: RICHARD HOOTON
Date published: 20 October 2009
Photo: Picture: JENNIFER BERESFORD
THE happy couple after finally tying the knot.
Faulty fire alarm fails to spoil couple’s big day
A WEDDING was halted three times after a fire alarm went haywire at Chadderton Town Hall — just as the bride and groom were about to tie the knot.
But far from ruining their special day, the happy couple laughed off the mishap as blushing bride Marion Davies, nee Boss, posed with firefighters while she waited.
She was about to walk down the aisle when the faulty alarm sounded at 4.30pm on Saturday and everyone was evacuated.
At the second attempt, the couple were about to exchange vows when the alarm screeched out again, forcing them outside once more.
After a third time, firefighters told them to carry on and they were eventually able to be named husband and wife.
It capped off an eventful week for Marion (57) who has bid a fond farewell to Oldham, where she has lived for 30 years while working for the Parkinson’s Disease Society, to move in with Melvin (61) at his house in Cannock, Staffordshire.
Far from complaining, Marion said the incident had made it an even more memorable day.
She said: “As soon as I entered the building, the alarm went off. It all made it quite exciting.”
Keeping to tradition, guests ensured the groom didn’t get to see the bride before her entrance, and Marion was given the chauffeur’s jacket to keep her warm.
She added: “It was quite exciting having all the firemen around me. We were just ready to start again when we were all brought back out.
“I didn’t know if it was Melvin trying to get out of it!
“It all went well in the end and we all saw the funny side.”
Wedding photographer Jen Beresford said: “It was a bit distressing but the couple took it in their stride.”
The couple, who have three grown-up children between them, fly out to Gran Canaria tomorrow for their honeymoon.
Chadderton fire station watch manager Reg Haye said: “I felt a bit sorry for the bride. Of all the days for the fire alarm to go off — and then three times.
“But we were happy to pose for pictures and it all adds to the memory of the day.”
Mr Haye added that it had taken firefighters 50 minutes to sort the problem as some of the rooms were locked — though luckily, a passer-by was a member of staff who knew where the keys were.
Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “We sincerely apologise to Mr and Mrs Davies.
“Our staff were devastated and by way of an apology we are arranging a full refund and will also be sending the happy couple some flowers and champagne.
“Thankfully, they appeared to understand this was completely unavoidable and took it in good humour.”
