Wedding of George Milgate and Beryl Phillips at West Mersea Parish Church.
L-R 1. John Milgate - groom's father, 2. Hilda Milgate - groom's mother, 3. May Milgate - groom's sister-in-law - married to Syd, 4. Hilda Milgate (Tilly) bridesmaid - daughter of May and Syd, 5. George Milgate - groom, 6. Syd Milgate - groom's brother and Best Man, 7. Beryl Milgate - bride, 8. Morrie Jay - friend (gave bride away), 9. Maud Phillips - bride's mother.
Photograph by J.F. Botham

Accession No. 2017.11.002B.
In 2017 the bride's dress was donated to Mersea Museum by Tilly Janes. Beryl was Tilly's aunt. Beryl was originally from London and moved to the island in the 1940s.

Tilly says of Johnny Milgate:
Grandad, was a huge part of my life. I never had sitters if mum and dad were going out I always went and stayed the night with Grannie & Grandad and never wanted to go home again.

He was a wonderful man and his garden produce was legendary in Mersea. As the eldest grandchild (there is only myself and my brother) and a true Mersea girl having been born on the Island, the telegram he got from the Queen on his 100th birthday was passed to me and is one of my treasured possessions.
Date: 2 July 1960