THE bells will ring for marriages from across the decades at a ceremony planned for Christ Church’s 160th anniversary.

Couples who have married at the church are being invited to a service and reception to celebrate those who have walked down the aisle.

Wedding pictures from years gone by are also being collected to build up a montage of the scenes over past decades.

Four couples have contributed so far, with one each from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 00s.

Communications manager Stephen Grosvenor said: “We are marking 160 years at the heart of the community.

“We want to celebrate the role that the church has played within the town and we believe our survival depends on the community coming to value and revalue us.

“This includes showing the role that the church has played in the past, when it has been a backdrop for baptisms, marriages and funerals.

“The weddings are the slightly more positive aspect of that and the nice thing is that everybody has a story from their day.”

Photos from couples so far include a black-and-white shot of Mr and Mrs Brian Maddock and family in 1962.

Another wedding took place in a blizzard and the church is hoping to add the pictures to its collection before the service.

Mr Grosenor said; “One of the weddings took place in really high wind and the wedding photos show the bride’s veil drifting in the wind.

“It’s these small details which make the church part of people’s lives, even if we play a subtle role in the background.”

Though the Old Town church is now its 161st year, the marriage project is part of an ongoing series of events to celebrate its history.

The event takes place on July 15 at the church, in Cricklade Street, Old Town. Further details will appear in the Adver when finalised.

If you have wedding photographs taken at Christ Church that you would be happy for them in include in an online photo album, email Stephen on s.grosvenor@gmail.com or call 07885 217077.