Dad met mum at the rowing club in Norwich.  Mum was a competent rower, having gained her 'rowing blues' at Edinburgh University.  I think dad was a first-time rower but, as always, was willing to give it his best. 

Dad recounted the first time he met mum's parents, John and Elizabeth Knox, both were academics; John Knox a geologist and Elizabeth a paleo-botanist.  I remember dad saying how impressed he was at the academic achievements of Elizabeth Knox who had been so successful in an era where very few women attended University.  He grew very fond of both of them.

Dad and mum were married at Greenbank Church, Morningside district, Edinburgh on 18 November 1958.  Charles Smith was dad's bestman; they had been friends while serving in the parachute regiment during their national service.  Mum's chief bridesmaid was Margaret Adams; they had been at school together and she was a lifelong friend.  

After accepting the post of Senior Bacteriologist at Public Health Laboratory, Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, mum and dad moved to the small village of Curland in Somerset.  

Susan Elisabeth Bridgwater was born on 19 September 1959.

Michael Frederick Bridgwater was born on 17 October 1960.