Ladies and Gentlemen – Friends....
On this day, the 12th July, in 1920, the Panama Canal was opened – I just had to get something in about canals.

Also on a nautical theme, on this day, back in 1776 Captain James Cook set sail on his third epic voyage, to explore such places as New Zealand and Hawaii.

And today, the 12th July 2014, (I am now officially bankrupt) .....
Seriously, though, today, the 12th July 2014, we are here to celebrate the marriage of our daughter, Michelle to Ben. My wife, Sue and I are pleased to welcome you here today and we appreciate, that many of you have travelled along way.
I cannot begin to tell you how delighted and proud I am to see our daughter Michelle looking so beautiful and radiant; and to have walked her down the aisle as she embarks on her own epic voyage as Ben’s wife.

It only seems like yesterday, when Michelle was born and I remember the joy and pride I felt when I first held her in my arms. I remember saying to Sue that she had made our family unit truly complete (but then came the dogs, hamsters, rabbits, chickens, sheep, pigs, more dogs, cats, goats, oh yes - and a couple of ponies).

When Michelle was two years old; she would ride with me on my off road motorcycle. There she would be, sitting on the petrol tank, wearing a crash helmet, and holding on tightly to the handle bars. The faster the bike went across the bumpy ground, the louder she would giggle. Michelle has always loved having adventure and fun! Later, at the age of nine, Michelle progressed to riding a her own pony (cracker) – I am told it is a bit like riding a motorcycle, only, that it has a brain of its own. Things were going well with the pony, until one evening; Michelle and it abruptly parted company. I still have very vivid images of that night, with Michelle lying in our field in great pain, due to the broken femur and her Mum extremely distraught. Daniel rang for an ambulance; By the time the paramedics arrived, Michelle was cold and shivering, and they decided she should go to hospital by helicopter. It was not long until we heard (along with the rest of the village) the deafening sound of the bright yellow, RAF Sea-king rescue helicopter– it sure made the garden look small.

But nothing stopped Michelle, the very next day after the operation on her leg; she showed her strength of character, by being determined to get up on her crutches and attempt to break the four-minute mile, much to the amazement of the nurses.
Michelle has also enjoyed Safer Activities, such things as singing, where she entered and won several competitions; she took part in many school musicals, dramas, and speech and drama competitions, where she won a variety of cups, medals, and certificates. Michelle even entered the South West Region, budding Architect competition to design a contemporary house. She won 1st prize, so Mike if you are need some inspiration..... or even a new business partner .....? (Michelle’s your girl!)

At the age of 14, Michelle was involved, as a lead singer, with the Bude Methodist Church youth band called “For Real” which was instigated by the groom’s brother and best man, Gareth. Ben was also involved with “For Real”, but for some reason he was not on the stage as a singer! (Why was that Ben?) Instead he was a sound engineer who also played the drums. I believe it was during that time that their eyes met and they eventually, plucked up courage to get to know each other better..... And dreckly, the romance blossomed. Did I hear someone ask what is “dreckly”? Its a Cornish word, similar to manana, but without the urgency.

Their relationship was steadily progressing until at 18 years old, Michelle went to Nottingham University where she gained an 2.1 Honours degree in Theology. Ben at this time was not too far away from Nottingham, studying Mathematics at Leicester University. However, it took them three years (they were rather slow (dreckly)) to work out, that, in love, as with binary arithmetic, one plus one equals everything and two minus one equals nothing. Ben, who has a master’s degree in maths, can explain the mathematic principles later.

Some wise person, once said:
If you love something, set it free.
If it comes back, it was, and always will be yours.
We can definitely say that about you two!

Today as Michelle and Ben, join their lives together, Sue and I are delighted to welcome Ben into our family. We know Ben, that you will be a loving and devoted husband, always taking care of Michelle’s needs, saying the right words at the right time - and, I am sure you will soon learn the four phrases that are the hallmark of a long & happy marriage.

You are right......
I am wrong.......
Yes dear........and,
Sorry....

I’ve been getting away with it for 31years!

I am told (by my wife!) that it is customary on an occasion such as this for the father of the bride to offer the newlyweds some profound piece of advice and so (at great risk to my health) I am going to ignore the advice she gave me (sorry dear - note Ben) and instead offer these words of advice from the Apostle Paul....

(v12) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.(v13) Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.(v14) And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12)

What more can I say; except- Ladies and Gentlemen..... please stand to raise your glass and drink a toast with me to the love, health and happiness of Ben and Michelle.
To Ben and Michelle.