Bridesmaids – Part 2 Kate

Kate first met Lucy aged 6 when Lucy changed schools and went to Acomb First School. They shared many early childhood school events together, including the First school maypole dancing 

and performing in shows in the Village Hall. They became very good friends.

 I worked in Bellingham at that time, Kate lived on a farm in Barrasford , and Kate’s Mum “Auntie”  Clare was a teacher and had all holidays off, so the girls spent a good deal of time together in school holidays on the Farm. I often dropped Lucy off in the morning before Kate was up! So Lucy got used to making herself at home ...

At Hexham Middle School Kate and Lucy started Splitz together, and continued to do all sorts day trips and activities - all very happy days! Kate often accompanied us on family breaks and days out, both before and after Richard was born. And as Auntie Clare organised local bus trips to many events – we had many more happy times seeing shows, boy bands and even Ant and Dec in Panto just before they became really famous!

Lucy, Kate and ? at a Book Fair

The girls shared so much of their childhood and teenage years together that even when Kate when to Edinburgh University after leaving school they kept in touch. To me, they represent the old adage that true friends just pick up where they left off, they don’t have to be together all the time, but when they are, it is as natural as breathing! Anyone who has a friend like that will know how very special it is!

Kate is like a second daughter to me, and it will be a real delight and source of pride to have her as one of Lucy’s bridesmaids at the wedding. 

Kate says,

“I have been trying to think of one memory but there's too many... I remember the day I first met Lucy. You (MOTB) had dropped her off at Acomb school and she was crying, so I took her under my wing after that the FF began! (* FF=Famous Five which comprised Kate, Lucy, Katie, Megan and Astrid. The FF shared so many adventures and activities over the next few years)

" Too many memories from that time but the birthday parties were always a highlight, the Spice Girls era watching the Spice Movie over and over and over again!

Then there were all the day trips and holidays you kindly took us on. And the many walks you dragged, sorry took (hehe) us on especially around Kielder with a picnic. Then holidays like Oasis for the week, and I remember Richard being sick all over the table and me and Lucy just hid underneath the table until it was all cleared up. We also wrote our names above the wardrobe in the bedroom- I wonder if there still there ?! Also liked the day you took us on our Solar Eclipse adventure to Sunderland glass centre to make things!

 Most recently, my favourite Lucy memory was when me, Lucy and Jodie went to see 'Magic Mike' at the cinema. Only Lucy could turn around in the middle of a film about male strippers and say-' there's not much of a storyline is there?' Me and Jodie hadn't noticed :) "