Diary

The Strahovsky Monastery in Prague was the fabulous setting for the marriage of Kidderminster couple Priya Kaushal and Andy Tromans, who found romance at Kidderminster railway station as they travelled to school in Worcester. Both are from important local families - Andy's father, Barry Tromans, was financial director of Brintons Carpets, while Priya's parents, Drs Shakhir and Pushpa Kaushal, led their respective fields in the Worcestershire Health Authority. Priya and Andy's relationship continued as Andy attended Durham University and Priya studied medicine for six years at Prague University, Andy joining her when he had completed his course. The deaths of both their fathers brought the families closer together, culminating in the magnificent wedding on September 17. Around 150 guests travelled from across the globe for the ceremony, later attending the reception at Zofin Palace.

Photography by Derek Wilbraham, Enlightened Images of Kidderminster.

WILD - LONGWORTH

Nicola Jane Wild, only daughter of Nigel and Kathleen Wild, of Droitwich Spa, married Peter Longworth, eldest son of John and Hazel Longworth, of Marton, near Blackpool, at Sacred Heart RC Church in Droitwich Spa on August 27. The bride was given away by her father and attended by Samantha Duffy-Smith, Sarah Major, Clare Burrows, and flower girls Tori and Kate Heterich. The groom chose Jason Walker as best man, while the ushers were the bride's brother Simon Wild, the groom's brother Mark Longworth, and friends Ivan Jones and Greg Elwell. The couple held their reception at the Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel, near Tewkesbury, before spending their honeymoon in Beijing, China interior and Hong Kong.

Photography by Angela Lloyd-James of Worcester.

TURBUTT - CALLOW

Clare Elizabeth Turbutt, only daughter of Ken and Carol Turbutt, of Chaddesley Corbett, married James Daniel Callow, only son of Jim and Angela Callow, of Stourbridge, at St Cassian's Church in Chaddesley Corbett on August 27. The bride was given away by her father and attended by her god-daughter Amie Pallante and the groom's niece Holly Needham. The groom chose William Orgee as his best man, while Philip Needham, Joph Young and William Hollingsworth served as ushers. After a reception at the bride's parents' home, the couple honeymooned in Mauritius.

Photography by Angela Lloyd-James of Worcester.

SILVER SERVICE

Ardencote Manor Hotel, Country Club & Spa won a Silver Award at the prestigious Heart of England Tourism Awards 2005, held at Worcester Cathedral in October. The Warwickshire hotel was up against some very stiff competition in the Hotel of the Year (Large Hotel) category, and was just pipped to the post by Coombe Abbey, with Ettington Park taking the Bronze. The ceremony, known as 'the Oscars of the tourism industry', was hosted by the BBC's Kay Alexander and the Heart of England Tourism chairman, Sir William Lawrence OBE.

Pictured: Managing director Dale Huckerby.

CHARITY EVENT

A total of £450 was raised for local charity Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer when a group of dedicated beauty therapists (and their helpers!) put on a Beauty & Well Being Show at the Holiday Inn Express, Wychbold. A host of therapists demonstrated Reiki, Reflexology, Food Intolerance, Aqua Detox and many others, while a glass of wine and a delicious pink cake (kindly donated by Ombersley Bakery) were also on offer. For more information on the charity, please contact Pam Andrews on 07930 354840.

STORMING AHEAD

Hagley property developers Selbourne Homes have won a top award for their state-of-the-art apartment scheme, Storm. The Merry Hill-based development, part of a continuing vision for the Brierley Hill area, came top in the Urban Regeneration/Brownfield Development category at the 2005 House Design Awards hosted by the Birmingham Post & Mail. It is one of the first projects in the UK to combine residential housing with a multi-deck car park, and has proved extremely popular with buyers.

Pictured: Gavin Warr accepts the award for Selbourne Homes, watched by Sarah Matthews of DBK Back Group; Kate Brow of Knight Frank; and Tony Lennox, acting editor of the Birmingham Post.