Stanley House hotel is a magnificent building set in the Lancashire countryside above the town of Blackburn. Three times a year, the owners of the hotel host a ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ event which is designed to entertain but also to raise substantial sums of money for charity. I had the pleasure of being the MC on this occasion when the guest speaker was Rosemary Shrager, the renowned TV chef. Rosemary spoke for 50 minutes, telling an audience of 185 ladies all about her television exploits with celebrities such as Alan Titchmarsh. The ladies loved her down-to-earth manner and the amusing tales she told. The star prize in the draw was an Escada handbag said to be worth (wait for this) over £1,000. Not the sort of thing you would take on the beach at Blackpool.

Lots of money was raised for charity and a lucky lady is walking about, somewhere in Lancashire, with a very expensive bag on her arm.

My photograph shows me posing with the lovely Rosemary.

The wedding of Sue and Paul was one of my regular events at the wonderful Lowry Hotel, Manchester's (or more accurately, Salford's) first five-star hotel. The hotel employs my services when their 'Wedding Package' is preferred. I love it. The hotel is superb, it is geared up for weddings and I now know the staff and we work well together.

And so it was with Sue and Paul. The Lowry asked me to officiate at their St George's Day wedding. Sue stayed overnight on the 22nd and Paul arrived at the hotel shortly before the wedding ceremony. He was so confident, few nerves to speak of, which was unusual for a bridegroom.

Sue and Paul were made for each other. They had been together for over 7 years and all they needed to do was to 'tie the knot.' When Sue walked down the aisle, Paul could hardly contain himself and grabbed hold of Sue to give her a big hug and a kiss. The atmosphere was extremely friendly. Following the ceremony, the sound of Take That's 'Greatest Day of Our Lives' rang out as Mr and Mrs Skolosdra signed the wedding register.

The wedding breakfast went like clockwork and everyone had a great time in the Grand Ballroom looking out over the river. While I have heard better speeches, they could not have been more sincere and tears of joy were shed by family and friends.

Another lovely day and I am proud to have been there to share it.

Photograph courtessy of Jo Benson and her father, Jim

I was engaged for the wedding of Alicia and Jonathan (Jonny) by the Alicia's parents, Carole and Milton. Little was I to know that this would turn out to be such a sumptuous and amazing event. The bride and groom were Jewish and their day consisted of all of the wonderful traditions of a Kosher wedding. The details were complex and I had numerous conversations and meetings leading up to the wedding. I ensured that my knowledge of Jewish weddings was current by contacting a Jewish toastmaster colleague who was immensely helpful.

The day itself was very challenging but was extremely rewarding. Bride and groom were both successful professionals in their own right and their guest list consisted other professionals, many from the London area. The traditional greeting of "Muzzletoff" (congratulations) was to be heard as the wedding party arrived at The Lowry Hotel. Clapping and singing broke out in the main reception as Alicia and Jonny entered through the main door.

I moved the 240 or so guests into the Grand Ballroom before announcing in the proud parents. Next, I introduced the bride and groom and that is when the celebrations really began. Alicia and Jonny were paraded through decorated hoops onto the dance floor and then dancing began. The bride and groom were then hoisted aloft on separate chairs and were carried around the dance floor to loud singing and traditional dancing.

When the wedding party finally took their seats, Milton said words of welcome before the Blessing of Bread (the Chollah) by the Rabbi. The meal was splendid. At the centre of the feast was a wonderful display of cup cakes in the shape of a pyramid and decorated in the bridal colours of a beautiful shade of red and white.

Following the meal we had the Toast to HM The Queen, the Toast to the Office of President of the State of Israel, the Seven Blessings (Sheva Brochots) said by a range of friends and family, followed by wonderful speeches by the father of the groom, the Best Man and the groom himself.

The singing and dancing which followed the meal were lively and joyous. I was kept busy into the early hours, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. By one o'clock in the morning I had virtually lost my voice.

What a day, and what an education. I can now confidently take on Jewish weddings, in the knowledge that few celebrations could be as challenging, or as rewarding, as the wedding of Alicia and Jonny

I didn’t realise the romantic story which had finally led to Frank and Jane getting married. The ceremony and wedding breakfast took place at the magnificent Lowry hotel and the happy couple had invited almost 50 of their closest friends. Their guests were, like them, of a more mature age and all had significant life experience behind them. It was only when Frank got up to speak that I realised that these two people really were meant to spend the rest of their lives together.

Frank explained to his guests how he had gone on holiday with friends to the USA some twenty one years earlier. Jane was a flight attendant on that trans-Atlantic trip and Frank had been taken by her beauty. He claimed to have made the journey miserable for Jane as he pestered her – although I didn’t hear any complaints from Jane. Frank had dinner with Jane but they soon lost touch.

Years later, Frank was in New York on a visit when, who should he spot in the street? Yes, you’ve guessed it, Jane. The two had a coffee and a bite to eat before going their separate ways. The coincidence would not end there.

Two years before they eventually got married, Frank was again on a trip to New York, one of the biggest cities in the world. Amazingly, he spotted this attractive woman, wearing sunglasses, and walking down a shopping street. He made a casual remark to her, whereupon she lifted her sunglasses and the two were reunited – for the final time. It was destiny and the two remained together from that day.

How I love my job!