Dad proposes at Walsall Illuminations

Oct 13 2008 by Gurdip Thandi, Birmingham Mail

A LOVE-struck man proved there really was electricity in the air at a popular lights show when he proposed to his shocked girlfriend.

Richard Hill chose Walsall Illuminations as the place to pop the question to stunned Sadie Oduye in front of their two-year-old son Kenzie. And the 21-year-old cash and carry worker’s face lit up when 22-year-old Sadie accepted his hand in marriage.

Richard, who works at AF Blakemore in Willenhall, said he had come to the lights as a small child and wanted to make his son’s first visit a memorable one. He said: “I just thought that the illuminations would be such a nice place to pop the question. Our son Kenzie has never been to the illuminations before so I’m sure he’ll remember his first visit.”

The couple, who live in Forrester Street, Alumwell, have been together for three years.

Coun Louise Harrison, Walsall Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said staff were only too pleased to help make the couple’s special day when they were approached.

She said: “This is such a lovely thing to do and we were only too pleased to help Richard when he called us.

“The illuminations is a really special and magical place. He asked for help in making his proposal and we hope that it was really memorable for him, Sadie and their little boy.”

The couple were presented with a giant bouquet donated by Asda Walsall and given vouchers for a romantic dinner for two at the Village Hotel in Walsall. 

Walsall Illuminations runs until November 2 and feature different live shows each night including Bob the Builder, Barney the loveable dinosaur with character appearances and party nights.