WHILE walking my dog one Saturday afternoon I saw a rare event. Outside Heworth parish church was a crowd of people splendidly dressed and obviously very happy.

Vintage cars were parked ready on the roadside all festooned with flowers and ribbons.

It was a wedding in the traditional style, a bride beautifully adorned in a satin gown accompanied by an elegant groom and delightful bridesmaids.

It is not that long ago that I enjoyed every Saturday witnessing the excitement of a wedding party. Parish vicars were always kept busy performing wedding ceremonies all day.

The options of where to get married until recently were either in a church or registry office. Today, couples can marry anywhere, most commonly where their reception is held.

Engaged partners still seem to value the religious vows of marriage, but isn't it a shame they don't want to make these vows in church?

It is the loss of a delightful tradition.

Berenice Gardein,

Third Avenue,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 10:19 Friday, May 28, 2004