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Brian Wroe
Toastmaster & Master of Ceremonies
"I never forget that this is your day. You will be glad that you chose to use
the services of a professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies who upholds tradition while adding a modern touch."
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LADIES WHO LUNCH Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Near Blackburn Thursday 10th March 2011
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 Nicola and Matt Drake Raddisson Edwardian Hotel, Manchester Saturday 31st July 2010
Manchester currently has two five-star hotels. I am a regular visitor at The Lowry Hotel (which, strictly speaking, is just in Salford). The other five-star hotel is The Raddisson Edwardian on Peter Street and I am a less-frequent visitor there. So it was exciting to gain a booking from Nicola and Matt. They are a lovely, lively and bubbly couple with friends and family to match. The hotel used to be the Free Trade Hall – home to the world famous Halle Orchestra. Its transformation has been remarkable and it is extremely impressive.
The wedding reception was a joyous occasion. It was great to meet Gary Phillips (www.rainbowtreatstrike.co.uk) who was there to give out ice creams to guests on arrival. He had an old fashioned ice cream tricycle and he looked splendid in his boater hat. What a nice touch! My good friend John Brandwood (www.brandwood.co.uk) was the photographer and we all worked like a well-oiled machine with the hotel staff. The speeches were fabulous although parts of the speech by Best Man, Scott, were a little embarrassing for Matt, who took it all in his stride. The photograph taken by John shows me with Nicola and Matt close to the penthouse, overlooking city centre Manchester. The Wedding of Sue Smith and Paul Skolosdra The Lowry Hotel Friday 23rd April 2010
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 The Wedding of Alicia Lindsay and Jonathan Cohen The Lowry Hotel Sunday 14th February 2010
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 ![]() Photograph by Contre Jour, Createur d'images
Carole Lindsay (mother of the bride) wrote:
We have just got back as we were so exhausted we decided to stay on at The Lowry for another day before undertaking the long drive home. Thank you so much for your help and support we always knew it was not going to be an easy task but we were very happy. The ballroom looked amazing and everyone had a good time The Wedding of Frank Rostron and Jane Bond The Lowry Hotel Friday 15th of January 2010
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! Photographs by Warren Shaffer
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Tel. 01204 412175 Mobile 07926182728 Email: brian.wroe@yahoo.co.uk www.toastmasterandmc.co.uk Copyright © 2006, Brian Wroe |