A DAY TO REMEMBER

Wynne Birch & Frank Clarkson celebrate 60 years of marriage.

Yesterday, our thoughts went to a very special event which occured 60 years ago on the 28th December, 1949. It was remembered on both sides of the globe. Two special people, Wynne Birch and Frank Clarkson, would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Even though they were not present to celebrate this milestone, they were with us in spirit and not just the glass of sherry, which Wynne was partial to.

I would like to set the scene for you and take you back in time. World War 2 had been fought and won by the allies. Even though 4 years had past, ration books were still being used as items were still in short supply. Frank served in the airforce during the last 2 years of the war. He was a printer by trade and he had moved to live on the Fylde Coast in the north of England.

Wynne Birch was born and bred in Poulton-le-Fylde, a small village outside Blackpool. Blackpool was a very popular seaside holiday destination for families for many years. Wynne managed the florist shop from age 14 and then worked for a jewellers before doing her bit for the war effort making fuel tanks for planes.




Both Frank and Wynne were raised and were practising Roman Cathlolics. It was religion that helped cement this partnership and they were to meet at a social event held in St John's Church hall in Poulton-le-Fylde. Their romance blossomed (I am not quiet sure the length of time of their courtship, but their love for one another was very strong until the very end). The church, St John's, dates back to the early 1800's and the original church is now the Church hall (which was were they met). A new church was build in 1911 and would play a large part in the Clarkson family over many decades and generations.

It was early in the morning that much preparation took place as the mass was at 9 am. Bob Birch (groomsman), George Entwistle (best man), sisters of the bride and groom, Mary Birch and Kath Clarkson were to be bridesmaids. After the service it was on to the Stock's Cafe on Hardhorn Road, off The Market Place in Poulton-le- Fylde, for a meal. Then to catch the train at midday to Bournemouth on the South Coast of England for their honeymoon. They were to stay at Chesterwood Hotel, Bournemouth, which would become the name of their family home which they bought in 1960 and was only sold on the 6th November, 2009, after Frank's passing on 20th May, 2008 and Wynne's on 17th March, 2009.











This partnership saw 3 children born to them, Paul, David and Ann. 4 Grandaughters, Emma, Abby (twins), Avril and Brittany. Ann was to marry Andrew in 1981 in the same Church as her parents and Paul married Jane there also. That marriage did not survive, but he now has a wonderful lady in Stella. David married me(Ros). We were the rebels and married in Sale, UK before returning to live happily in Australia.

Wynne and Frank had a great life together. Although it was not always easy as life sends us challenges, they were such a connected couple - I TRUST THEY ARE TOGETHER NOW AND ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS.