Granddaughter’s 4,000 mile journey to get married will fulfil nan’s dream

Kitty and Ray Phillips from Winslow with a picture of their daughter, Victoria who is coming home from Arkansas for her wedding

Victoria Lovellette is returning to the church where she was christened because her grandmother is not allowed to fly anymore and she wanted her grandparents to be at the wedding.

Ray Phillips, who was Winslow town mayor for 12 years from 1973 and also served as chairman of Buckingham and Winslow magistrates for nine years, said he was overwhelmed and touched by his granddaughter’s decision.

Mr Phillips, who lives in Highfield Road, said: “My wife Kitty has had different ailments for some time now and the doctor wouldn’t let her fly because of pressure in the cabins.

“So Victoria said she would get married here.”

The bride to be arrived in England on July 4 with her fiance Tim Wadley, her parents and her two sisters Danielle and Alice, who will be bridesmaids.

Mr and Mrs Phillips have two daughters, Judith and Laura.

Mrs Phillips, 83, said: “Judith married Tony, an American airman, and she has lived in America a long time.

“Everywhere they have been posted we’ve been to see them, including Hawaii and Italy.

“Because I’m not allowed to fly anymore our granddaughterVictoria said she would come to England for her wedding.

“I burst into tears, it was unexpected.”

The happy young couple have spent a lot of time sight seeing during their trip to England, including visits to Bletchley Park and Stratford-upon-Avon, and will go to London after the wedding.

The ceremony will take place at St Laurence’s Church tomorrow at 3pm, followed by a reception at the bowls club.