A couple from Cheam will toast their golden wedding in the same room at Nonsuch Mansion where they began 50 years of marriage.

Alan Smith and his wife Chris, both 70, thought they may never be able to return when the site of their reception faced closure last year.

But staff have now made a special pre-launch booking to ensure they can relive cherished memories at the restored Grade II-listed mansion house.

Alan said: “We were one of the first couples to have a wedding at Nonsuch Mansion and, on Saturday, we will be the first to enter the new premises.

“We have been hanging on since Christmas and are just over the moon.

"It means we can visit the same church – St Dunstan’s in Cheam – and the same room at Nonsuch Mansion, almost at the same hour as 50 years ago.”

The future of Nonsuch Mansion was secured when Bovingdons took over the catering contract.

Lucy Pask, a member of the relaunch team, said: “Soon after the announcement by our management, we received a phone call from a long-term Cheam resident, Alan Smith, wishing to celebrate his golden wedding in the same room and on exactly the same date as his wedding reception.

“It was such a lovely enquiry we really couldn’t say no. In fact, it has spurred the team on to get the space ready earlier than planned.”

Andrew Gray, of Bovingdons, said: “That bookings are already flooding in is testament to the excitement that has built. Some couples – among the first hosts when the venue first opened – have been waiting desperately for a chance to return and celebrate milestone anniversaries.”

For details about holding a function at Nonsuch Mansion call 07970 053 525.

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