I found myself in a “never before” situation on Saturday when I went to the wedding of my lovely friend Michelle and her new husband Trevor. It was a really smashing day. Knowing it was to be held in the RC Church of St John the Evangelist in Horsham, I was a little apprehensive as previous Catholic weddings I’ve been to have all been a bit physical: “Please stand.” “Let us kneel,” “Please be seated,” “Now stand for the blessing”. You get the picture. But there was no kneeling involved at all, although we did have to stand for rather a long time which resulted in me having to hobble to the car in new three and a quarter inch shoes while the photos were being taken to slip into something a little flatter and more comfortable. But the service was simple and intimate and the reception held at a gorgeous little venue and it was great to see Michelle looking so beautiful and happy and to be inspired by her parents Peggy and Charles, who at 93 and 96 are just AMAZING..
So what was the situation? Well, all my life I’ve usually be the only Elaine or one of two. In my primary school, there was me and Elaine Orchard – but she left in first year juniors leaving me as the only Elaine in the whole school. (How can I remember that when I can’t remember what I did last Wednesday?) At grammar school Elaine Day joined in the first form when I’d already enjoyed five years of solitary Elaine-ness and was going into lower sixth. During all my years in Ibiza there was only one other, who came just about a year before I left and she was known as Scottish Elaine for obvious reasons. And in twelve years of working with the singles; groups I only ever came across two other Elaines. So, it was a little strange and somewhat disconcerting on Saturday to find that in a group of thirty women who were at the wedding, THREE were called Elaine. Every time someone said the name I turned round assuming it was me. After all, up until then it usually had been. And the question was asked “What do you call a group of Elaines?” I quite liked An elegance (and it was quite fitting as we were in our finery – me in a Katie Vale fascinator!) and I also liked an eloquence and an eminence. I was even quite taken with an explosion. I wasn’t so keen on an erruption or an ejection (or an ejeculation!) So, any suggestions for a collective noun for a group of Elaines? I look forward to your replies and suggestions.
And some news from the Actors’ Factory – we are now opening the waiting list. This is for a new group which will start in the autumn – day and time to be confirmed later. If you want to come onto the waiting list for a place please contact me through my e-mail on this website or through Stages Studios (01708 744001).
It was a bit confusing, even more so now when talking about the day and everyone asking “which Elaine are we talking about”! xx
Ha ha! Perhaps it should be a Confusion of Elaines then? It was a great day, though, Michelle. Many congratulations.