Flames of love burn bright

By Paul Dunlop
ONLY fire could stop Brian Alkemade from marrying his sweetheart and even then it would want to be a big one.
A passionate member of Pakenham CFA, Brian is due to wed fiancé Debbie Charles this Sunday.
In keeping with his other burning passion, the happy couple will arrive at the church in a fire truck.
Debbie said it was Brian’s idea and typical of the longtime local resident’s sense of humour.
“He thought arriving in a fire truck would be cool and I said ‘I’ll do it’,” she said.
“He loves fire trucks.”
The happy couple became friends about three and a half years ago and their relationship has blossomed since.
They will be married outside the rotunda at the William Bruce Ronald Reserve on the Heritage Springs estate.
Debbie, a preschool teacher, said there would be about 60 guests in attendance, mostly family and friends.
She said she was keeping her fingers crossed there would not be a fire.
“If there is we’re in trouble,” she said.
Plans for the wedding were progressing well, Debbie said, and she has no doubt she has found her man.
“Brian is the most kind, caring and generous person I’ve ever met,” she said.
“He’s really one in a million.”