Colchester couple receive wedding blessings at 70 years old

The Almshouses Charity of Arthur Winsley and Others, which is best known in Colchester as Winsley’s, was founded in 1726, and many of the homes which now provide vital shelter for those in need, were once owned by former Colchester mayor Arthur Winsley.

After the alderman died in January 1727, he left much of his property in his will to the Winsley’s almshouses charity which still operates to this day.

Almost 300 years on, the ancient chapel at Winsley’s almshouses – which isn’t licensed for marriages and is usually used for a service just once a year – saw Father Richard Tillbrook of St Barnabas Church conduct the wedding blessing of Ann Amey and Derek Moule.

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A wedding blessing, although not a legally binding ceremony, allows couples to express their commitment to one another, and can be held at any venue.

Father Richard conducted the ceremony only a few days before retiring after almost 20 years as a vicar at Old Heath, having previously spent 33 years as a teacher in Loughton.

Ms Amey and Mr Moule, who are both 70-years-old, met on a blind date more than seven years ago, and made sure to invite their fellow residents, as well as trustees of the Winsley’s charity, to the ceremony.

Ms Amey had warm words for the Winsley’s charity and the friendly nature shared by almshouses residents.

She said: “We love the friendly character of Winsley’s.

“It’s a community where we feel safe and we love its history.

“We feel so lucky to be living here and wanted to share our special day with our neighbours.”

The ceremony is believed to have been the first to be conducted at The Almshouses Charity of Arthur Winsley and Others, which now has more than 100 properties home to as many men and women.