Children of Robert Foster and Maria Spence

MARRIAGE OF MISS SPENCE, BACKWORTH.

Much local interest was associated with a wedding which was solemnised at the Friends' Meeting House, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, on Wednesday. Miss Erica Spence, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Spence, of Backworth Lodge, Backworth, was the bride, and Mr. Stanley Redfern, third son of Mr. and Mrs. S.J. Redfern, of Manor Croft, Urmston, Manchester, the bridegroom. Outside the quaint, old-fashioned meeting-house a large crowd gathered. The bride, who entered the building with her father, was robed in ivory satin, and wore a spray of white heather and a tulle veil. She carried a bouquet of white heather and other white flowers, and her only ornament was a diamond pendant, the gift of the officials and workmen of Backworth Colliery. Miss Dorothy Clephan and Miss Hilda Tweedie, cousins of the bride, the bridesmaids, wore pink œlienne Empire dresses and crinoline hats wreathed with pink roses. They carried bouquets of pink roses and bell heather, and wore Liberty pearl pendants, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr. Hugh Redfern was best man.

There was a large gathering of relatives and friends in the meeting-house, where the bride and bridegroom were married according to the custom of the Society of Friends. The bridegroom stood up and said: "In the fear of the Lord, and in the presence of this assembly, I take this, my friend, Erica Spence, to be my wedded wife," and the bride followed with a similar declaration, after which the members of the congregation signed their names as witnesses of the marriage. A reception was given by Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Spence, at the Station Hotel, after the ceremony, and later the bride and bridegroom left for the South for their honeymoon. The bride's travelling dress was of white cloth, braided, and with it she wore a black picture hat, trimmed with pink roses.

A triumphal arch, bearing the motto "Good luck to our Bride," beneath which Miss Spence passed as she drove from her home, was erected at Backworth Lodge by the Backworth colliery officials and workmen, and the drive, festooned with flags, was lined by the village folk, who gave her a hearty send off.

INTERESTING PRESENTATION TO MISS SPENCE.

On Saturday night last an interesting gathering was held in the Backworth Institute Hall, the occasion being the presentation of several valuable presents to Miss E. Spence, only daughter of County Councillor R.F. Spence, J.P., agent for the Backworth Collieries, on her marriage (which was celebrated on Wednesday) to Mr. Stanley Redfern of Manchester. The presentations, which were the result of a testimonial subscribed for by the officials, workmen, and friends, and which realised well over £100, consisted of an elegant grandfather's clock with Westminster chimes, silver tea and coffee service of beautiful design, silver tray and silver spirit lamp, together with a superb diamond pendant. The hall had been specially decorated by Mr. T. Whitfield. On the platform, which was arrayed with a fine selection of hot-house flowers, was a representative gathering of members of the committee, their wives, and personal friends, while the body of the hall was full. The gathering was presided over by Mr. William Murton, under-manager at the Backworth Maude Pit.

At the outset Mr Murton referred to the large gathering that evening, and said it was a pleasure and gratification to all concerned to see by their presence the respect and esteem in which their agent and his family were held. Backworth was an old colliery village—much older than they were. They had experienced their ups and downs, their joys and sorrows, but they would know that when things didn't go to the dip they always went to the rise. It was the first time in their history to have their master and family at so unique a ceremony on the eve of a daughter's marriage, and local historians might duly record the fact. Their agent, Mr. Spence, whom they were duly honouring on such an occasion, had been amongst them from his start in life. He was native to the district and to the manner born, and as the Yankees say, "He was raised right here." So intimate were their relations that they often forgot to address him as they ought to do so. Everyone, however, who knew the captain of their ship admired his high business capacity, his ceaseless enterprise, and unbounded generosity. In those matters he was largely helped by a good wife, who was ever at his elbow, sage in experience and helpful in advice. Mrs. Spence stood for all that was good, true and beautiful in life, without which life would be a burden. She had been and was an active and willing supporter with Mr. Spence in all his good work. Miss Spence bore an honoured name which she was going to change, and he trusted that in her future home-life she would carry all associated with the name she now bore in the hearts and minds of the people of Backworth. He had very great pleasure in calling upon Mr. Barrow to make the presentation on behalf of the subscribers.

Councillor Barrow said he deemed it a great honour and pleasure to take part in the proceedings. On such a unique occasion they were making history. It was the first time an only daughter of an agent of their collieries had been married during her father's tenure of office. It had been a great pleasure on the part of the committee to recognise the outward and visible signs of the esteem and honour in which Mr. Spence and his family were held by the public. Mr. Barrow then put before the audience the beautiful ideal of domestic happiness as conveyed in Lord Tennyson's verse: "How if I love," after which, on behalf of the officials, workmen and friends, in felicitous terms, he made the presentation to Miss Spence, trusting that in gratification of their wish she would wear the diamond pendant on her wedding day, and that as the gems adorned her they would be enhanced the more in value by the knowledge of their good wishes for her happiness. He sincerely hoped that time would but touch her gently and the years but multiply the golden gifts of health, happiness and abundant prosperity. He had the greatest pleasure in making the presentation.

In response Miss Spence spoke in very feeling terms of their great kindness. She had some idea of what was going to happen, because when the committee came to their house she was always bundled out of the room. Yet she had no idea of anything so beautiful being presented to her. She thanked them very sincerely for their gifts.

Mr. Spence also feelingly responded.

Votes of thanks were afterwards tendered to the Chairman and Mr. Barrow by Messrs. Henderson Gibson (manager), Councillor W.L. Thompson, Thomas Ramsay (traffic manager), and Mr. A.D. Jennings.

The following interesting programme was much appreciated by the audience:—Northumberland Small Pipes and violin selection, "Ye Banks and Braes," Mr Richard Mowat and Master Mowat; song, "The Yeoman's Wedding," County Councillor A.E. Bell, J.P., Earsdon; song, "Swallows," Miss Gladys Jennings; song, "Love me and the world is mine, " Mr. John W. Stoker, Seaton Delaval; Northumberland Small Pipes (encored), Mr. Richard Mowat; song, "Gee up, Dobbin," and encore, "Bobby Dear," Mr. Bell; song, "Goodbye," Miss Gladys Jennings; song, "My Pretty Jane," Mr. Stoker. Mr. John G. Watson was accompanist.

Mr. Bell replied to a vote of thanks to the artistes, and the proceedings wound up with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

Mrs. Erica Grubb, Winscombe, was summoned for a like offence.

P.C. Morris said he saw Miss Grubb driving a car on Shute Shelf. He asked her for her licence and Miss Grubb searched the car and said it must have dropped down by the door, but that she would have the door taken off. On a later date she said she had been unable to find it.—Fined 15s.