Oops! James Croll and Rachel Leach’s wedding party coach crashes into gates at historic Shaw House

BLUSHING bride-to-be Rachel Leach was expecting a memorable wedding day at Shaw House in Newbury.

But she wasn’t expecting this!

A double decker coach with driver, hired specially for the big day, collided with the gates and pillars at the entrance to historical Shaw House.

The entrance itself is not part of the original structure, having been replaced around 30 years ago.

And luckily no one was hurt – but friends of the groom, James Croll, had to clear the debris so the wedding party could get through.

The new Mrs Croll told the Newbury Weekly News: “I really wanted to get married at Shaw House because it’s so stunning.

There were guests coming from quite a way away so we hired the double decker coach.

“When it happened, I was a bit shaken - I took a deep breath and looked round at my family who all said: ‘Don’t worry, no one’s hurt, that’s the main thing.’

“James’ friends got out and started clearing the way so we could get to the ceremony.”

The wedding at the Elizabethan mansion, owned by West Berkshire Council, was delayed by around 20 minutes but went ahead, with all the guests, at 12.35pm on Saturday, October 21.

Best man Rob Chalmers took these photos of the scene.

Mrs Croll added: “I want to say how wonderful the staff at Shaw House were in reassuring us and keeping things on track.”

The happy couple, of Maple Crescent, Newbury, are now looking forward to a honeymoon on the Isle of Wight.