THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Delightful wedding of popular amatuer actor held in Bangor

From the News Letter, June 15, 1937
By Darryl Armitage
Published 15th Jun 2020, 10:00 BST
Bangor, Co Down. Picture: National Library of Ireland on The CommonsBangor, Co Down. Picture: National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Bangor, Co Down. Picture: National Library of Ireland on The Commons

Bangor Parish Church had been the setting the previous day for a wedding which “aroused much interest” reported the News Letter on this day in 1937.

The bridegroom was Mr George Henry Allport, LGSM (Eloc), who was the son of Mr and Mrs J E Allport of Donelaan, Green Road, Knock in Belfast.

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The News Letter noted that Mr Allport was well known in both the banking and artistic circles of Belfast.

The paper reported: “As an actor Mr Allport has far more than average gifts and his services in amateur theatricals are always in much demand.”

The bride, Miss Eleanor Eileen Craythorne, was the youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Craythorne of Seabreeze, Grove Park, Bangor.

The ceremony was performed by the Reverend A J Gillespie, MA, and Mrs Gilmour presided at the organ.

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The singing was led by a choir composed of members of the Ulster Amateur Opera Company, in which the bridegroom was a principal.

The bride, who was given away by her father, was “charming” in a frock of shell pink mouseseline de sole cut on classical sheath lines with a close-fitting bodice and “the new high neckline”.

The skirt had continued to “a graceful train”.

The sleeves were puffed at the shoulders, tapering down to a narrow point at the hand.

The veil was of French lace and was fastened with a halo headdress of bride’s blossom to match.

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She had carried a bouquet of lilies which had been a gift from the bridegroom. Mrs Edwin Blakely, the sister of the bride, acted as matron of honour and Mr S F Allen had acted as the best man.

Other attendants had been Miss Norma Blakely, the bride’s niece, Master Terry Walkington, the bride’s nephew.

During the signing of the register the anthem God is a Spirit was sung by the choir.

After the wedding ceremony the wedding party and invited guests retired to the Pickie Rock Hotel where the wedding reception was held.

The new Mr and Mrs Allport, noted the News Letter, where to spend their honeymoon in London before travelling on to the Continent.