On a Saturday morning in December 1971, my parents were married in Coventry register office. My mother wore a long crimson velvet dress; a suitable choice for a cold winter’s day, and also a reflection of the fact that those marrying in a register office were advised not to wear white. The register office was located in Cheylesmore Manor, formerly a medieval royal palace, and its stone steps provided an attractive backdrop for the photos. The ceremony itself took place in a small but charming room, in front of a number of guests in addition to their two witnesses. The cost of the entire process was £2.75. Afterwards, they drove to the village where my mother lived for a blessing at her local church. The civil ceremony had clearly taken less time than they expected, as they were too early for the church service and had to go to the pub next door in the meantime. By 12.30 p.m. they were sitting down to a modest lunch with their guests.