Samantha Shaw marries David Richardson, 9th July 2011

On July 9th Sam Shaw, a ringer from Willingham by Stow, married David Richardson. Sam was the second ringer from Willingham to have got married in Willingham Church in the last three weeks. She has rung two peals and many quarters at St Helen�s. Once again, it was the great pleasure of the local ringers to be able to ring the bride in and out.

In addition to being a ringer, Sam has been a lawn mower racer for the last 12 years. At one time she was the women�s champion, has won many trophies and she was in the team that won the women�s 12 hour endurance race in 2006. To mark this special day, the North West Lawnmower Association held a weekend race meeting in the village. 24 decorated lawn mowers processed noisily up the High Street and the riders formed a guard of honour for Sam, David and the guests as they went into the reception.

The reception was held in a beautiful marquee which had been erected on the village playing field. Music and dancing was enjoyed by family, friends, villagers and lawn mower racers until the late hours. To date, David hasn�t been persuaded to take up Sam�s unusual hobbies, but there�s time yet. Our best wishes go to the happy couple, who live in Gainsborough.

Sue Faull