Pleased as Punch!

I received a very unusual Wedding Invitation the other day:

"Britain's oldest Punch and Judy celebrate 150 years this year and despite their ups and downs and trials and tribulations, love has finally conquered all. Punch has finally declared his intent to marry his one true love, Judy on Thursday 5 August 2010 at 10am. To celebrate 150 years as Britain’s most loved and outrageous couple, Visit Llandudno is hosting the wedding of the century at the smallest church in the UK, St. Trillo’s Chapel in Rhos-On-Sea.

Professor Codman’s Punch and Judy show has been performed on Llandudno pier since 1860 by the Codman family and to this day, creator Richard Codman’s great great grandson, Jason performs the show daily from March to September. Four generations of Codmans have performed the show to Royalty including Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, King Edward VII and the Prince of Wales, who would later become King George V as well as millions of visitors to North Wales."

Some photos (not taken by myself) of the happy event:

Of course, there is a also a video of their big day available:

Let's hope that the happy Couple have many more years of perfect bliss together....

The Wedding of Punch & Judy was arranged on behalf of Visit Llandudno by WeberShandwick .

That's the way to do it.....

In the local area, we tend to associate the traditional seaside favourite Punch & Judy and the name Codman with Llandudno. However, Colwyn Bay also had a strong Punch & Judy tradition for several decades, with the last 'Professor' being Bert Codman, ably assisted in the performance by his dog Toby:

Professor Bert Codman & Toby

Professor Codman's pitch was on the Eirias Park side of Colwyn Bay Pier, by where the refreshment kiosk is now:

Toby the Dog played a part in every performance

Unfortunately, this all came to a sad end in December 1969. "Professor" Bert Codman and his little dog TOBY, died within two days of each other after entertaining thousands of children over the years. Bert had bought the little mongrel dog for 7 shillings and sixpence in a Liverpool market 20 years before (and Toby was actually a girl!). Toby was run over and Bert died heartbroken two days later in Abergele hospital. The idea was mooted of putting a small memorial plaque to Bert and Toby on the promenade wall, but local councillors refused permission.

And so the Punch & Judy tradition at Colwyn Bay ended...