THE singer of an iconic 1970s number one hit toasted renewing his wedding vows... by staying in Haddington.
Gerry Polci, former drummer with Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and lead singer on December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night), renewed his vows with wife Rhea at Cromlix Castle, near Dunblane.
The following day, the happy couple started their honeymoon by staying at Letham House, by Haddington, before stopping off at the town’s Tyneside Tavern and entertaining a number of fans.
Chris and Barbara Sharman, owners of Letham House, were delighted to welcome the couple.
Mr Sharman said: “They were very nice indeed, very warm-hearted.”
On their first night in the area, the couple toasted their wedding vows using a quaich presented to them from the Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons UK Fan Club, which had been presented to them at their wedding.
Tyneside Tavern boss Paul Kinnoch filled the quaich with whisky for people to drink from.
He said: “It was a really good night and they had a group photograph taken down in front of the bar.
“Whilst the photograph was getting taken, everybody was singing: ‘Oh, What a Night.’ “We had a table of 16 in and one of the women at the table had come over and said to one of the members of staff that the song was the first dance at her wedding.
“So we brought her up the back and introduced her to Gerry and got her photograph taken with him.
“It was a nice atmosphere and he chatted to the customers as well.”
The Tyneside Tavern, which celebrates its 200th year in 2019, was recommended for the gathering by the owners of Letham House.
Gerry and Rhea, who has Scottish ancestry, had asked for a potential venue to meet the UK fan club and were pointed in the direction of the Poldrate pub.
A private room was booked in the venue, with 15 members of the fan club attending and asking questions about the wedding and life in the band.
Diners were entertained with a rendition of Can’t Take My Eyes Off You while the group photo was being taken at the bar.
The musician said: “Rhea and I are still gushing how wonderful the evening at the Tyneside Tavern was for us. Everyone went above and beyond to make Rhea and I feel so comfortable and welcome.
“It was a pleasure for us to meet again all of the friends that have supported me throughout the years.
“I’m most happy with the way everyone made Rhea feel a part of this moment and celebrate our vow renewal and love for each other.
“I will never forget that and will always be grateful. You guys rock!”
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