On Saturday 7 July the first ceremony will take place in the Grade 1 listed Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds, now licensed to solemnise marriages and register civil partnerships.
Yvonne Spooner and Vanessa Wright will be exchanging vows in a civil partnership in the chandeliered ballroom, and afterwards celebrating with many family and friends at a reception and later an evening function.
This is a special day for Yvonne in more ways than one, since she will also be celebrating her 50th birthday. Yvonne, Bury St Edmunds born and bred, is the daughter of a past Mayor of St Edmundsbury, the late Ted Spooner. The Athenaeum has always had a strong attraction for her and her long term partner Vanessa, who both live in Bury. They are delighted that they can celebrate their special day there.
The Athenaeum re-opened a year ago after extensive refurbishment, during which a host of historic featured were uncovered. Particular attention was been paid to the detail and high quality finishing in what has been called “the jewel in Bury St Edmunds crown”. The ballroom has been restored in its original Adam-style glory, increasing in capacity from 200 to 440 people.
ENDS
ISSUED BY SALLY EASTON, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL, Tel 01284 757046 sally.easton@stedsbc.gov.uk
