A chance meeting during a hospital appointment became an emotional reunion between a bride and her bridesmaid – almost five decades since the big day.
Healthcare assistant Linda Rammell, 52, was just two when her then next door neighbour Josie tied the knot with George Perry, but now she will help the couple, both 71, celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Josie and Linda’s family lost touch soon after the wedding at Pelsall Church when both moved away from their homes in Norbury Avenue.
Josie said the pair did not recognise each other when they came face to face at Walsall Manor, where she was being treated for a minor ailment.
“I wasn’t even meant to be on the ward where she was working,” she said.
“We were just having a general chat and I said I came from Pelsall and she said she used to live in Pelsall, in Norbury Avenue.
“I said ‘well that’s a coincidence, I used to live at number 30’, so she told me she was a 28. I said that’s where Mrs Badger used to live and she said ‘I used to be a Badger’,” added Josie.
“That’s when I realised. Linda looked at my face and asked if I was feeling alright, which is when I told her she was my bridesmaid all those years ago,” said Linda.
“She just sat for a moment in shock, saying ‘I can’t believe it’. We were both in tears, hugging each other.
“It was such a coincidence that I’m sure it was meant to be. We’ve kept in touch since then and we phone each other or go out for meals.
“Linda’s a wonderful lady and I’m very happy that she will be there to help us celebrate our anniversary.”
Linda, who now lives near her Walsall Manor workplace, said she was also delighted fate had brought her back together with Josie and George, who now live in Hillside Crescent, Pelsall.
“It was amazing how we met again. It’s been lovely to get to know each other.”
Ex-Sainsbury’s worker Josie and husband George, who worked as a machinist at GKN in Aldridge for 32 years, have two daughters and four granddaughters.
The pair will be joined for a slap up celebration meal with family and friends.
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