Wedding Traditions

Witney Museum’s lottery project manager, Hannah Cushion, took time off from her busy schedule to celebrate her wedding last month to Paul Cooke.

Over the past 18 months Hannah has spearheaded a major revamp of the museum premises, overseeing the work throughout the winter closure. With the reopening of the new-look museum in April, Hannah turned her attention to her upcoming wedding plans – and she was guest of honour at a wonderful hen party organised by museum volunteer, Sonia Jervis. Fizz, cake and nibbles were enjoyed by the guests and Hannah was presented with a very appropriate gift – a beautifully soft and cosy Witney blanket.

Highlight of the evening was dressing Hannah in a replica of the outfit that blanket factory bride-to-be’s were decked out in when they left work to get married. Around the 1960s, workers at Charles Early & Marriott in Witney followed a charming tradition: whenever someone got married, their colleagues would “make them a coat”. This playful garment was presented at the end of the shift, and you were expected to wear it all the way home — or at least until you were out of sight of your workmates.

“One of the highlights, for me, of this project has been getting to know more about Witney’s industries and traditions. To be able to take part in this tradition in some small way was such a joy”

Hannah married Paul at Oxford Register Office on 7th May and this was followed by a sun-dappled wedding party two weeks later at Primrose Hill Farm where she had a beautiful day filled with joy and sunshine.

Following some time off Hannah is now back at work fulfilling the remaining 6 months of her National Lottery Heritage-funded role.