1940s Dress

Just prior to Christmas I was a guest on a programme at BBC Radio Lincolnshire and took the opportunity to 'tout' for wedding dresses.  I talked a little about the exhibition and explained that I would like a few dresses from the County of Lincolnshire.  By the time I returned home I had received three telephone calls from ladies who had dresses that they were willing to lend, one of whom was a lovely lady callled Diana Wylde from Heighington.

On Monday morning this week, I went over to view the dress and to have a chat with Diana and find out who it belonged to and when it was worn.

After a very warm welcome, Diana went on to tell me that the dress belonged to her mother, Ellen Griffin, who married Walter Waldingham on 24 April 1940 at St Mary's Church, Horncastle.

Whilst there, Diana showed me a photograph of her mother and father's wedding day which will form part of the exhibition. 

Her mother was very tiny at 4' 10" tall so the dress is very, very small - I don't think it would fit over my thigh!  It is made of gold satin and has wonderful gold stain buttons up the back and on the sleeves. 

Diana also showed me the veil that her mother wore on the day.  I am always sceptical when someone said 'oh my veil would fit through a wedding ring' ... well not anymore ... the veil that I held in my hands today certainly would.  It is so light that I am sure it would float if you were to throw it into the air.

Unfortunately, Diana doesn't have her own dress which is a shame as it would have been lovely to have both of them keeping each other company.

Diana's grand-daughter is very excited about seeing her great-grandmother's wedding dress and is making a special trip from Brighton to the exhibition. 

I am very thankful to Diana for loaning the dress to the exhibition.