A Kentish Ceremony Spring 2023 | Page 46

YOUR CEREMONY

MEET THE REGISTRAR

LINDA TURNER , CELEBRATORY OFFICER , TONBRIDGE
WHERE ARE YOU A REGISTRAR , AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE FOR ? I started work in registration in January 2004 at Tunbridge Wells Register office . After a reshuffle of the districts , I moved to the Tonbridge area . This means that I have worked with colleagues in both areas , but as with many of us , we are often asked to work in other districts and so I have worked with many registrars across Kent .
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A REGISTRAR ? I first came across registration in an advertisement in the local paper . I was then invited to a friend ’ s wedding at The Mansion House . I had recently taken early retirement from teaching and was looking for a new challenge . The wedding was lovely , and I found myself thinking , ‘ I can do this ’ and felt that I had the right skills . So , I applied , had the interview on my birthday and will forever be grateful that I was offered the job .
WHAT ’ S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB ? My favourite part of the job is conducting ceremonies as a celebrant . It is such a thrill to be able to guide couples through their vows and to help them with the organisation of their ceremony , ensuring that everything runs smoothly , that they are relaxed and that it is exactly what they want .
ARE THERE ANY WEDDINGS THAT ARE PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE TO YOU ? As a registrar it has been a privilege to marry so many couples . They are all special in their own way . I have been honoured to marry children I taught in my life as an infant teacher , members of my family including my brother , my brother-in-law and my niece . I have married family friends too , but the most memorable weddings I conducted were those of my daughter and my son . Imagine seeing your beautiful daughter walking down the aisle towards you on the arm of your husband . My training helped me to put on a brave face , but tears of love were very near . Welcoming my daughter-inlaw as she walked in with her father to stand next to my son was very special too .
IF YOU COULD OFFER ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO COUPLES WHAT WOULD IT BE ? So many brides become embroiled in the arrangements for their wedding and reception that I sometimes think they forget about the actual ceremony . I married one couple a few years ago who were musicians and who had planned very carefully to make the ceremony a top priority . The result was beautiful , and I am sure their memories will last a lifetime . A friend advised me to think carefully about what was happening when I got married 50 years ago and I can still remember most of it ! I wish this for all couples . Be mindful of your ceremony , it goes very quickly !
46 | AKENTISHCEREMONY . COM | SPRING 2023