Author: darren

A memorable day a couple of weeks ago in Marple….. it even made it on to ‘Have I Got News For You’…..

 

WHEN Bekki Cocks’ friends told her that if she loved her rug so much she should marry it – not many of them expected her to follow through with it.

But today, the 26-year-old casino worker declared “I Rug You” in front of specially invited guests as she married the rug of her life in a special service.

Bekki and ‘Mat’ – the name given to her favourite rug by the mum-of-two – were tied the knot and enjoying a relaxing honeymoon at home in Greater Manchester.

During the intimate hour-long service Bekki, who was dressed in a traditional all-white wedding dress for the occasion, promised to love, honour and care for Mat ‘till death us do part’.

Bekki said: “I bought Mat about a year ago and I’ve been banging on about how much I love him to anyone who will listen ever since. 

“It became a bit of a thing with my friends who used to joke ‘if you love Mat so much why don’t you marry him?’.

“I spend so much time looking after him – cleaning him and vacuuming him a couple of times every day and making sure he always looks his very best – I couldn’t imagine being without him now.”

Bekki uses stain remover to clear up any mess her two young children may have left on ‘Mat’ during the day. 

And in the evening, Bekki will give Mat one final clean to ensure he enjoys a crumb-free night.

Bekki added: “I am a little obsessed with Mat. When the kids are in bed, I’ll often just lie down with him and tell him my most private thoughts. 

“I’m a single mum, so he’s become a confidant and I always seem to be able to think things through properly when we’ve been together.

“So, a few months ago when one of my friends said I should marry him, I said ‘I will then’. 

“It started as a bit of fun but I soon started looking into a service and eventually it became something I was determined to go through with.

“I couldn’t be happier – I’m really looking forward to spending Christmas with Mat.

“I’ve also promised that while I might step on Mat from time to time, I won’t ever walk all over him.”

The happy couple tied the knot during a special service, hosted by a celebrant at the Independent Fitters carpet store, close to Bekki’s home in Stockport.

Dr Beckmann’s Susan Fermor said: “When we heard about Bekki’s story we felt we had to get involved. 

“So we’ve offered to pay for her wedding and give her as much carpet care product as she can possibly use in a lifetime.”

 

Fee Fi Fo Fum, Christmas in Oldham is cracking good fun!

Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s nationally renowned pantomime has been putting the extra sparkle into the festive season for generations; with all the ingredients for fantastic family fun: hit songs, silliness, a sprinkling of fairy dust and a generous helping of ‘It’s Behind You!’

Poor young lad Jack sells his cow for magic beans, much to the dismay of his mother. But when the beans grow into a gigantic beanstalk Jack sets off for an adventure in the magical land above the clouds.

With a magic fairy, a GIANT and a hippy cow, Jack and the Beanstalk is a traditional family pantomime with a modern twist – the perfect Christmas treat for kids and not-so-grown-up grown-ups.

I photographed two shows and I can highly recommend Jack & the Beanstalk for all ages. Very funny and entertaining for the whole family!!

HUNDREDS of people across East Lancashire stood silent in tribute to our war dead.

Services of Remembrance took place in all major towns and villages, in a year which marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

In Blackburn, the cathedral hosted a united service, before the traditional parade to the cenotaph at Corporation Park.

Click here to see the coverage from the Lancashire Telegraph….

Happy Hallowe’en everyone!

Great Northern Warehouse have unleashed the beast!

It has emerged from the depths of Great Northern to celebrate Halloween this week.

Head down to Deansgate in Manchester and spot this massive creature of the dark….

 

 

The Tour of Britain came to Tameside on Saturday.

Britain’s premier cycling race passed through Gee Cross, Hattersley, Mottram, Stalybridge and Mossley as the riders completed the final stage of the 2019 edition.  The Tour took in some of Tameside’s finest scenery and was broadcast live on ITV4.

The Steve Harley Acoustic Trio appeared at Darwen Library Theatre last Thursday.  Steve Harley is a bit of a hero of mine actually.

I’ve seen him a few times over the last 30 years so to be given the opportunity to photograph the gig was great.

The best bit however, was being given a little time with Steve after his sound check. A nice guy and the ultimate professional.

Healthwatch Oldham held its Forum in Alexandra Park last Saturday.  Dozens of families enjoyed lots of activities including a fancy dress fun run.

And the rain didn’t spoil anyone’s fun!

Healthwatch is the independent “consumer champion” for health and social care. It was set up to help people all over the country who use services to have a powerful influence in how services are run, as well as to help people to make informed choices about the health and social care options open to them.

A record-breaking 400,000 people came to Bolton’s biggest ever Food and Drink Festival.

Chill Factore is celebrating Pride across the region and invited one of the UK’s most famous drag queens to put on a breathtaking display, skiing down the slope in full regalia.

The Vivienne has been performing around the world for the past 11 years and since 2015 has been the UK ambassador for the global hit TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race.

She donned her famous blue sequin dress, swapped her pink stilettos for ski boots, and let her blonde locks loose on the snow. The Vivienne sashayed down the 180-metre snow slope complete with a free-flowing Pride flag trailing behind her, showcasing its array of mesmerising colours.

Commenting on her first drag race on the snow, The Vivienne said “This is the best I’ve ever felt in drag, If I can walk in 10-inch heels I can walk in skis! I’ve always been a fan of skiing, it really is an activity for anyone and everyone, regardless of ability.”

“It has been such an honour being asked to represent the LGBTQ+ community at Chill Factore and be the first drag queen on the slope, it’s the perfect way to glide into Pride.”

To continue the celebration of inclusivity across Manchester, Chill Factore is offering a further 20% off Snow Park, lift passes and taster lessons for guests who present a valid Pride wristband*.

On bringing the spirit of Manchester Pride to Chill Factore, CEO Morwenna Angove, said: “We are often bringing fantastic and breath-taking activities to Chill Factore and this was certainly no exception.

“To watch The Vivienne lavishly ski down the snow slope with the Pride flag trailing behind displayed just how wonderful this celebration across the region really is.

“It may be the first time we’ve had a drag queen become an ice queen here at Chill Factore but it certainly won’t be the last.”

HERE comes the bride  . . . with a pizza down her side!

Her gown and train is decorated in cheese and pepperoni and has a “crust” edging.

She even has a matching pizza bouquet.

It may be a little over the top-ping for some tastes, but others might knead the colourful outfit for their big day — especially as it won’t cost them any dough.

The amazing dress is part of a one-off wedding prize in a competition being run by pizza maker Chicago Town. The winner will also be treated to a honeymoon in Chicago.

And wedding guests will be able to take away a slice of a special six-tier pizza cake.

The competition was announced after a poll of 2,000 Brits found that food was as important than the wedding ceremony itself for some guests.

Seven per cent said they would turn down an invite to a wedding because they didn’t like the sound of the food being served up, while eight per cent admit that they have left a wedding early because the food wasn’t up to scratch.

Rachel Bradshaw, of Chicago Town, said: “Weddings are the ultimate celebration of love, but it seems our obsession with food trumps everything else. Our research has revealed that 65 per cent of Brits would be more excited about attending a wedding if they knew pizza was on the menu.”

A spokesman for Chicago Town said: “The unique pizza wedding dress is loosely modelled on Rihanna’s iconic 2018 Met Gala dress – and the package is available for one lucky bride-to-be due to get married this year.”

https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/9538433/pizza-dress-bridal-package-competition/