A couple is planning to recreate their Wiccan wedding day on Saturday to celebrate taking over a village pub.

Ash Self and Joy Buchanan-Self officially started work as landlord and landlady of The Chequers Inn in Wrestlingworth this week, and tomorrow they will be holding an Australian Day to introduce themselves to the community.

The couple, whose dream it has been to run their own pub, married in 2005 in a modern witchcraft ceremony and they will be holding a similar service tomorrow to bless the pub.

Ash, 49, who moved from Australia around five years ago, said: "It has always been my dream to run my own pub so I'm really excited about it.
"Joy has been working in catering for years as well so it is a real passion for both of us.

"Our aim is for the pub to be the real hub of the community. It is the only pub in the village so we want it to be a real traditional family English pub with great food and entertainment."

The Australian themed day will kick at midday with a traditional barbecue, complete with kangaroo burgers and pints of Fosters.

At around 1pm family friends Bob Jakes and David Davenport will arrive at the village in a steam engine, as the couple were escorted to their wedding in a similar vehicle.

And at 2pm Wiccan practitioner Liz Revell, who married the couple, will bless the pub in a special Wiccan ceremony, which all faiths are welcome to attend.

The steam engine will then remain on the grounds until around 5pm. And live music will begin at 6pm with 'Lord of the Strings' guitarist Paulie Adams and jazz guitarist Nick Magson playing until late.

Joy, 42, added: "Your new hosts hope old and new friends alike will join us for a day of kinship, harmony and hospitality, and most of all new beginnings."