Couple become first to tie the knot at iconic building

Roland Stokes and Lynda Doyle, from Earl Shilton, married at the Harborough District Council-owned building in a ceremony held on the morning of Tuesday, 29 April 2014.

Family and friends joined the couple for the ceremony at the new registration office, run by Leicestershire County Council, before posing for photographs on the ornate stairway, one of the original features of the Grade II listed former corset factory.

The iconic town centre building has undergone a major redevelopment in the last year, and now accommodates new registration office, as well as district and county council offices, adult learning services, Job Centre Plus, integrated library and museum, and will soon see shops and businesses open on the ground floor.

It has been named The Symington Building to reflect its history with the Symington family.

Lynda, who was born and bred in Market Harborough, said she wanted to get married at the venue as she used to live close to the Symington’s Recreation Ground when she was a child.

She said she often used to use the area as a short-cut in the days when it was a corset factory.

Lynda, 62, said: “My great uncle, Len Plant, who lived in Hearth Street spent most of his working life there and was actively involved in the sporting side of the factory. There used to be a plaque dedicated to him [in one of the pavilions] at Symington’s Rec for his services to football.”

Roland, 69, said: “It was a lovely day and we’ve been impressed by the staff and the ambience of the ceremonial room.”

To find out more about the Registration office call 0116 305 6565.

Pictured - Happy couple Roland Stokes and Lynda Doyle who become the first people to get married at The Symington Building. The wedding was overseen by Registrar Annette Lockwood.