Romance Renewed on the Road

From Great North Road

By Sue and Paudie Coughlan

Sue Forde and Paudie Coughlan had a short romance lasting about six months starting at Christmas 1973 when they both lived in Kitwe. Finding themselves too young to become more serious, they split up. Sue soon afterwards emigrated to Perth, Australia. Paudie stayed on in Zambia until 1983, when he emigrated to UK. They did not keep contact, and both got on with their separate lives.

In January 2002 Paudie, then living in Ireland, came across the GNR while researching business opportunities with Africa. He saw Sue's name in the board, and said "fancy meeting you here". Sue replied. Neither of them were in a serious relationship at the time. After months of emails and phone calls they eventually met up again in person in August 2002 in Perth. In September 2002, Sue flew back with Paudie to Cork, Ireland (after they both attended the GNR's famous Banbury Bash in UK, organised by Gary Brassington) They moved to Perth, Australia in November, 2003 and were married there on 27 December, 2003.

Here is the story, told with the actual GNR postings, of how the GNR played it's role in their renewed romance.

Paudie says hallo

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What an interesting find!

Great Nostalgic Relief.

I recognise quite a few names here, so hallo to anyone who remembers me.

Susan Frances Forde - fancy meeting you here. And what a good band manager you were. The Paper Lace days were one of the most fun periods in my band "career" in Zambia. I finally packed it in early Jan 1980 after playing in a band called "Mantis" with John Costopoulos (drums), Pete Trollip (bass), Ian Delahunty (lead guitar), Avril Hughes (lead vocals), and myself on keyboards/rhythm guitar. I think the last gig was a session at Diggers, Kitwe.

Kenny Ramage is in Namibia, still playing. I last saw him in Jo'burg in 1976 during a stopover at Jan Smuts. He, Adrian Lawlor and myself did a pub crawl around the airport hotel bars. I haven't been in contact but found his website recently.

I have some band photos going back to Muf High School days circa 1967 when John Costopoulos, Des Brand, Alistair Coakley and myself started a band. I think the first time we played was at party at Sparky Wallace's house in Muf. I'll try and get them scanned and put up.

How'zit also to Linda Dore, Blackie Hall, and also I see the Marshes mentioned re Perth - hi. Also Cookie Brassington - I lived in Banbury for quite some time; not a bad little hole. I worked for Menvier-Swain Group for 13 years in Banbury, Melbourne and Milan. But that's another story.

Cheers

Paudie Coughlan <email address deleted> Midleton, Co. Cork, Republic of Ireland -- Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 08:24:08 (PST)

Sue says hallo

Paudie!

Well. What can I say? Isn't the Net amazing? Fantastic to hear from you. I'll send a catch-up email privately after this. Thanks for the info re Kenny, I've already checked out his site and signed his guestbook. Also sent him a private email to say G'day. I've got some old photos somewhere which I'll send you too. Say G'day to Adrian for me, please.

To everyone else... the GNR strikes again!!!!!

Sue <email address deleted> Perth, Western Australia -- Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 09:32:50 (PST)

Sue's open Valentine's Day message

To all those who didn't get a Valentine today, but wanted one - you've got one now...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Sue <email address deleted> Perth, Western Australia -- Thursday, February 14, 2002 at 06:44:21 (PST)

Paudie's Valentine's Day response

Sue Forde

Well I did get a Valentine today, but it wasn't from you, so I hope you don't mind if I take one of your's personally. And here's an extra one to you from me, that is if you're accepting any from old boyfriends - Happy Valentine's Day.

More mundane matters. Arthur is sending me technical advice about precise settings for improving the band photo scans. I'll email you.

Cheers

Paudie Coughlan <email address deleted> Midleton, Co Cork, Republic of Ireland -- Thursday, February 14, 2002 at 08:33:27 (PST)

The day after first meeting up again

GNR Power

Again the GNR strikes in reuniting old friends and acquaintances. These photos were taken at a private party here in Perth, Oz, on 30 August. The occasion was a surprise birthday party for Margret Jordaan (nee Millar) ex-Kitwe.

Paudie & Sue - Perth.

L to R, Sue Forde (ex-Kitwe), Paudie Coughlan (ex-Mufulira) and Buphe Chauhan, ex-Kitwe. Sue and I went out together in Kitwe in the 1970's. Sue emmigrated to Australia, and I went to the UK. In January this year we met up again on the GNR after all these years and are now together again. And very happy too!!. We're interested to know whether or not this is the GNR's first romance (or rekindled romance) story.

Noel Daley - Perth

Ex-Kitwe muso Noel Daley fronting his Perth band "Crocodile Rock", providing live entertainment at the party.

Crocodile Rock - Perth

Noel was kind enough to allow me, as an ex-Zambian muso, to guest with his band on the night. Noel is in the greeny/blue shirt on vocals, and I am in the maroon shirt on guitar.

Amongst the other ex-Zambians there were Chris and Hazel (nee Dutton) Forde, Grace Forde (nee Millar), Lesa Jackson (nee Millar), Liza Millar, Will Jordaan, Kim Forde. All ex-Kitwe.

Paudie Coughlan, (visiting Perth, Oz) Saturday, September 14, 2002 at 07:33:08 (UTC)

Paudie proposed

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Paudie Coughlan and Sue Forde are extremely delighted and happy to announce their engagement to be married. We are aiming for a December wedding.

And thanks to the GNR for putting us in touch with each other again and so making it all possible.

Paudie and Sue.

Paudie Coughlan [ Profile] [ Contact] Midleton Co Cork, Ireland Wednesday, July 09, 2003 at 01:09:21 (UTC)

Arthur posts an engagement photo

The happy couple !

The Happy Couple.

Paudie Coughlan and Sue Forde Wednesday, July 09, 2003 at 06:09:55 (UTC)

After the wedding

Thanks

Thanks for all the good wishes (both posted here and private) for Sue and I for our recent wedding. They where all read out at the reception, making it feel like the GNR was there with us in spirit.

As Sue says, computer problems now sorted, so will post photos soon.

Paudie Coughlan [ Profile] [ Contact] Perth, WA, Australia Sunday, January 11, 2004 at 03:44:46 (UTC)

Paudie and Sue's Wedding

This is a selection of photos from our recent wedding. We met up again through the GNR on 20 January, 2002 and got married at 5pm on Saturday 27 December, 2003. The ceremony took place on the clubhouse jetty at Hillarys Yacht Club here in Perth and the reception was in the clubhouse.

There were 80 guests, mostly family and some close friends. Sue has three brothers here in Perth, all ex-Zambia. Chris and Pat Forde are married to ex-Kitwe girls Hazel Dutton and Grace Millar, both of whose parents and siblings also migrated to Perth. Other brother Dennis has a son and daughter born in Kitwe. My brother Eamon was my Best Man. So, many ex-Zambians and their respective progeny helped us celebrate our special day. It doesn't end there - the music was provided by ex-Kitwe musician Noel Daley and his band "Crocodile Rock". The venue was very reminescent of Kitwe's Mindolo Dam - but with bigger boats and real sea!

For us, one of the highlights of the evening was Eamon reading out messages of good wishes from so many ex-Zambians (and ex- Zims, Craig) from overseas. A large proportion were old friends and acquaintances we have reconnected with through the GNR, as well as newly made ex-Zambian friends. You were all toasted in the Toast to Absent Friends, Relatives and to our Parents (who are no longer with us). Interestingly, another GNR connection is that Chris and Hazel Forde, Eamon and his fiancée Sarah, and Sue and I were attendees at the very successful Banbury Bash in Sept 2002 in UK.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Paudie and his brother and Best Man Eamon waiting for the bride.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Sue and the bridal party arrive.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Sue's son James walks her down the aisle to her waiting Groom.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

The ceremony in progress. The day before the wedding the temperatures were in the high 30's. Luckily a change came in the morning of the wedding - a bit cloudy but much cooler at about 25 C. As we said our vows, the sun broke through the clouds. Left to right: Sarah (Eamon's fiancée), Eamon, Paudie, Sue, Sue's daughter Jessica (her bridesmaid) and James. The Celebrant is out of shot to the right.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Walking back along the jetty after the vows.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Signing on the dotted line.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Photo session at the entrance to one of our favourite beaches. We had professional videographers for the video. The still photos were done by friends and relatives.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

The speeches. Left is Sue's brother Chris Forde, who spoke for their father. Paudie's speech mentioned the GNR and its role in our love story. Eamon was an excellent MC and Best Man.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

The bridal dance, to Noel Daley's band. It was quite special to get married all the way over here in Perth and have a fellow ex-Kitwe musician and long time friend of the Forde family, provide the music.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Cutting the cake. Instead of a formal tiered wedding cake, we decided to have something that really tasted good, and worked in a romantic theme. We settled on a trio of Cherry Chocolate Mud Cake, Boston Mud Cake, and Orange Chocolate Mud Cake, being both extremely tasty, and the trilogy symbolic of our Past, Present and Future.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Sue and Paudie dancing, with Noel Daley (centre left) playing and singing in his band.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Sue and I first met in December 1973, when she managed a rock band in Kitwe ("Paper Lace") that I joined. So for old time sake, I jammed a few numbers with Noel's band, while Sue danced to the music. Noel had a break from the guitar so that he could show off his frontman vocal and performance talents.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

Chris and Hazel Forde, who helped us so much with preparations for the wedding, especially initially while we were still over in Ireland.

Paudie & Sue’s Wedding.

From my beautiful bride and I, a thank you to the GNR.

We will also post a link soon to a webpage with a more extensive set of photos for anyone who is interested.

Paudie and Sue Coughlan

Monday, January 19, 2004 at 22:10:05 (UTC)

And they are now living happily ever after in Perth, Australia.

Text & photo contributions by Paudie Coughlan and Sue Coughlan.

Photo messages posted to GNR by Arthur Steevens.