Diary

Alison Victoria Wright, only daughter of David and Gill Wright, of Worcester, married Keith Anthony Marlow, only son of Ken and Margaret Marlow, of Birmingham, at the Church of St Martin with St Peter on April 22. The bride was given away by her father and attended by Katherine Hamilton-Dell, Helen Lee, her cousin's daughter Jessica Thomson and the groom's cousin's daughter, Maisie Young. The groom chose James Hammerton as his best man, while his cousin Steven Young, the bride's brother Chris Wright, and Ben Stone served as ushers. Officiating at the ceremony was the bride's uncle, Rev John Wright. After a reception at the bride's parents' home, the couple spent their honeymoon in Italy.

Photography by Angela Lloyd-James of Worcester.

LISTER - D'AUNCEY

The marriage of Rachel Lister, eldest daughter of Barbara and Colin Lister, of Leicester, and Charles D'Auncey, only child of Barbara and Peter D'Auncey, of Droitwich, took place at Elmley Lovett church on April 7. The bride was given away by her father and attended by her sister Michelle Lister, cousin Becca Salmon, niece Lucy Marston and friend Emma Mitchell. The groom chose Richard Billings as his best man, and Simon Reynolds, Paul Reynolds, Matt Harris and Neil Evans served as ushers. After a reception at Grafton Manor, Bromsgrove, the couple jetted off to Argentina and Brazil.

Photography by Angela Lloyd-James of Worcester.

O'NEILL - SMITHYMAN

Kelly Marie O'Neill, only daughter of Pam and Rob Davies, of Kidderminster, and John and Margaret O'Neill of Wombourne, married Ian James Smithyman, only son of Patricia and Edward Smithyman, of Coventry, at Eastnor Castle on April 8. The bride was given away by her father and her stepfather, and attended by her friend Ruth Gilbert and the groom's daughter, Victoria Smithyman. The groom's son, James Smithyman, was the page boy. The groom chose Rob Bridgwater as his best man, while the bride's brother, Mark Davies, served as usher. After the reception at Eastnor Castle, the couple honeymooned in the Maldives.

Photography by Angela Lloyd-James of Worcester.

WALDRON'S

Twenty-four staff from Black Country solicitors, Waldron's, took part in the 13th annual Midlands Lung Run at Sutton Park and raised around £1,300 for the British Lung Foundation. The firm has chosen the foundation as its charity of the year, in recognition of the work undertaken on mesothelioma cases by Waldron's industrial compensation specialist John Roberts.

Pictured: The Waldron's team with their medals after the race.

BECAUSE THEY CARE

Football legend Gary Lineker was in Worcester on May 16 to officially open the new head office of Leukaemia CARE. Also in attendance was Lady Pamela Hicks, daughter of Lord Mountbatten of Burma and lady-in-waiting to the Queen, who unveiled the charity's Roll of Honour at the event. Both personalities are patrons of the charity, which cares for patients with leukaemia, lymphoma and associated blood disorders, with money collected through fundraising going directly to support families and carers as well as patients themselves.

Earlier this spring, eight local runners raised a projected £10,000 for Leukaemia CARE by taking part in the Flora London Marathon. For more information on Leukaemia CARE, visit www.leukaemiacare.org.uk.

Pictured: Nicki Brant and Gay Grove, two of the Worcestershire runners.

BEWDLEY FESTIVAL

ITV Central News presenter, Joanne Malin, who has pledged her support for Bewdley Festival, was the special guest at a reception held at Tickenhill Manor, Bewdley. Fellow supporters gathered to hear advance information about this year's festival, which takes place in October and will continue the 20-year tradition of bringing big-name stars to the region. Tickenhill Manor, now the home of the Robbins family, is where Catherine of Aragon was betrothed to Prince Arthur, the brother of Henry VIII.

Pictured: Jenny Paddock, festival director; Roger Key, chairman of Bewdley Festival Ltd; and Joanne Malin.

ACCOUNTING AWARD

Halesowen and Birmingham chartered accountancy and business advisory firm, Nicklin LLP, has been voted Accountancy Firm of the Year by its peers. The Birmingham and West Midlands Society of Chartered Accountants awarded the esteemed accolade to Nicklin in recognition of its outstanding achievements, which include business development, staff training and care, service to clients and innovation.

Caption: Nicklin LLP's Harvey Owen (centre) collects the award from Llewella Bailey and James Martin of award sponsor Begbies Traynor.

GLADIATOR VISITS ARDENCOTE

Ardencote Manor Hotel celebrated the official opening of a new dance studio at its Leisure Club in May, with a visit from former TV Gladiator, Jet, aka Diane Youdale. The studio, open to members and non-members, complements the existing range of leisure and sporting opportunities at Ardencote and offers a comprehensive schedule of classes including aerobics, pilates, yoga and ballet for juniors. Full details on 01926 843872 or at www.ardencote.com.