Copthorne Village website

Over the years we have had some famous people pass through our doors including Fatima Whitbread, Jonathan Edwards, Norman Wisdom, Richard Dimbleby.

Fatima Whitbread

Ryan Norman's Baptism, with Rev Alastair Cutting, Les Miles, & Fatima Whitbread-Norman. Photo by Denzil McNeelance/OK!

When Fatima Whitbread wanted to marry sports promoter Andrew Norman, between them they had so many international sporting guests they wished to invite, that being close to an international airport made sense. Gatwick seemed ideal, and with some nice hotels available locally for a reception, all seemed well.

When Fatima discovered that as she did not live in Copthorne, she would not be able to marry in the pretty church, she determined to do something about it. Discovering that it was possible, by attending the church, and getting on the congregation electoral roll, she would be eligible to marry in the church, she started attending. This was no mean feat, as she lived an hour's journey away in Essex. But overcoming obstacles was never a problem for Fatima! For over six months before the wedding she attended regularly every other week - and has maintained the links afterwards. She and Andrew joined with other members of the parish for a Marriage Preparation Course, and later for a Baptism Preparation Course too. Distance no object. She can still often be found sitting in the pew, or chatting to members of the congregation over coffee afterwards.

She married Andy Norman in May 1997 at St John's, and two years later in May 1999, brought Ryan for baptism here too. On each occasion, many sports personalities were among the guests. Jonathan Edwards was involved in Fatima's wedding by reading from the Bible, and assisting with the prayers. Rev Alastair Cutting led both services.

            

Alison and Jonathan Edwards, Heli Koivula & Steve Backley, Andrew & Fatima Norman, & Ryan, Iwan Thomas, Bob Colverd, Emma Davis, Andrew Sainsbury, Kelly Holmes, and Debbie Martin. (Photo by Denzil McNeelance/OK!)

Norman Wisdom

Norman Wisdom's daughter, Jacqueline was living in Copthorne at the time she was married in 1982. A choir member remembers the occasion "He came up the aisle with his cap on, and did his usual trip." Father Fred was Vicar at the time.

Father Fred Butler, Jacqueline & Norman Wisdom at St John's

Richard Dimbleby

Richard Dimbleby's fiancee was also living in Copthorne at the time of their marriage. The then Miss Thomas had been staying with her sister Mrs Howell, who was Church Warden at the time, in December 1936. "We liked the church...it was a lovely day for us" said Mrs Dimbleby.

Richard Dimbleby, from a BBC publicity photo