Wedding proposal on stage at the Sage Gateshead

Jul 24 2009 by Sam Wood, The Journal

IT USUALLY plays host to some of the top names in classical music, but for one couple it was the scene of something even more important.

Pam Hobson decided that a stage at The Sage Gateshead was the perfect spot to propose to her partner James Poore.

And the pair will even tie the knot at a ceremony in the venue next month.

Pam, who lives on Musgrave Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, worked at The Sage until she retired last year, and decided the stage of Hall One would the perfect spot for a proposal.

The 60-year-old said: “We met at a philosophy discussion group and just got on, and we had our first date at The Sage. We are both big music fans, I like folk and he likes jazz.

“He was supposed to be picking me up from work, but I led him straight onto the stage. The technicians had lit it really nicely and I just asked him to marry me. He said yes and then asked me to marry him. He looked a bit surprised, but it was very beautiful and the perfect spot.”

James, 69, who is also retired, said: “We had been talking about getting married, but I was surprised that she did it there and then. It is a place which means a lot to both of us, and now we will be getting married there.”

The couple will get married on August 2.

It will be Pam’s first marriage, James has three sons from a previous relationship.

Pam said: “I worked for a long time for Folkworks and then carried on when it merged with Northern Sinfonia to create The Sage. Everyone who works there is so special, I loved working there.

“I am just really looking forward to the wedding now, I’m really excited.”

Amanda Wood of The Sage Gateshead, said: “I know Pam well from when she worked here, it was a lovely moment.

“She was a very popular member of staff and everyone is delighted for her. We hold quite a few weddings in the building, and I’m sure it will be a very special day.”