Binge Thinking

Winter wedding saved by solution focused thinking - Ros Palmer

As we all turn our thoughts to the year ahead and return to work surely one of the stories that will be discussed over the coffee break in offices today, is that one of the most heartfelt Christmas stories was about the bride whose wedding was saved by involving others.

Karen Rawlins, 42, and Jonathan Lee, 35, planned to get married just before Christmas in the picturesque setting of Dode Church, Kent, but heavy snow made it impossible for the planned minibus to transport guests to the remote venue.

Clearly Karen and family had a strong reason why they wanted the day to go ahead, not least the months of planning that had gone into it. Their goal was clear and well thought through plans had been made. However it was Karen's sister, Tracey Spellman, who was unwavering in self-belief that she could and would make a difference. Whilst her sister and others were of the mindset that the wedding would have to be canceled she instead involved others, in the form of BBC Radio Kent, who broadcast an appeal for transport to the church for the wedding party.

Taking personal responsibility for her actions, Tracey then received a barrage of calls from kind-hearted listeners of the radio. They all took action and ferried the wedding party and the 45 guests along the narrow lanes to the ceremony in 4 x 4 vehicles. No doubt they also gave lifts to some of the many press and TV reporters who seized upon the story and crowded into the churchyard.

The wedding, inside the ancient and beautiful church, was filmed for tv and has been broadcast around the world. The new Mrs. Lee was left happy albeit a little stunned. Photos and video footage of her and her groom against the snowy backdrop of the Church were beamed around the world.. The power of solution focused thinking clearly saved her big day. A great story for us all to remember.

And now to the New Year. Keep making a difference.