Mexborough and Swinton Times, September 1, 1939

Special Leave to Wed
Sergt. Ford and his Bride.

An instructor Sergeant-Major of the 67th Anti-Aircraft (Y. and L.) Regiment was allowed twelve hours’ leave on Wednesday for his marriage at Wath Parish Church. He was warned to be ready to return to his duties at a moment’s notice. The bridegroom was Sergeant-Major William John Ford, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Ford, Andover, Hants, and the bride, Miss Eleanor Mary Beevers, daughter of Mrs. Beevers, 51, Moor Road, Wath, and the late Mr. Percy Beevers.

Sergeant-Major Ford came to the district when the Wath Company of Territorials was converted from infantry to anti-aircraft gunnery, and, with Sergt. Stanley, was responsible for the instruction of officers and men. On his promotion from Sergeant, the bridegroom was stationed at Rotherham.

The marriage took place at All Saints’ Parish Church, Wath, the Vicar, the Rev. Bertram Russell, officiating.

Given away by a cousin, Mr. W. K. Stanley, the bride wore a blue marocain gown embroidered in silk broderie Anglaise, with navy hat and shoes, and wore a spray of pink carnations and lilies of the valley. Miss Mary Robson, a school friend, was the bridesmaid and wore green marocain embroidered with chenille flowers, with black hat and shoes, and wore a spray of pale pink carnations: she received pearls frem the bridegroom.

The best man was Mr. H. Ecob, and the groomsman Mr. J. Smart. A reception was held by Mrs. Beevers, who wore navy blue cloque with hat and shoes to tone; and the bridegroom’s mother wore a green two-piece.