Flight-Sergt T J Paddon and Miss F M Mills
A bridegroom who returned to this country last summer after three and a half years service with the RAF in Iraq was married at Bideford Baptist Church on January 2nd. He is Flight-Sergt Thomas John Paddon, only son of Mr and Mrs R Paddon, 20 Chingswell Street, Bideford, and his bride is Miss Florence Maud Mills, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs J H Mills, 14 Victoria Grove, Bideford. Flight-Sergt Paddon is an Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School and joined the service from school.
The wedding ceremony was conducted by the Rev F Hobbs. Mr W Darch was at the organ. The bride’s veil and headdress were lent by Mrs I Hold, a friend. On leaving the Church, the bride was presented with silver horse-shoes by her niece, Miss Margaret Jewell, and by the bridegroom’s mother. Miss Millicent Mills was the bridesmaid. Mr R C Beer, friend of the bridegroom, carried out the duties of best man.
A reception was held at the Baptist schoolroom. The bride was presented with a silver sauce boat from her fellow work mates at the British Rola; a set of Pyrex dishes from the Baptist Girls’ Friendly Circle, in addition to many other presents. The dressmaker was Miss Chapple, the florists Messrs Braund, and the caterer, Mrs Butt.
Gazette article dated 12 January 1943