I've noticed that Henry Gunter seems to pop up as a witness at lots of weddings (including some in my own family) - I am wondering whether he was a very popular man or whether there might be some other reason why he's always there e.g. church warden, or upstanding figure in the community!???

Henry is described as a Gardener or Farmer in various Census returns. ('81 , 91 and '01)

some dates of "your" marriages would be helpful.

http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?id=2682

update 30/12/09
Occupation Parish Clerk, Gardener and Farm Bailiff

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Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster & Hereford Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

On the 1861 Census, West Dean, District 10

Henry GUNTER is aged 34, and the Parish Clerk, born English Bicknor - is married and with a family
Wife, Elizabeth, age 35 (born West Dean, as were the children)

Ann - 12
James - 10
Henry - 8
Tom - 6
Albert - 1
Elizabeth - 4 months

The address is difficult to read, Oak Hill Enclosure !

Just above, is the Parsonage Parkend, Parkend School, Saint Paul Cottage .....

1851 Census - Pillowell

Henry GUNTER - 24, Labourer, Bicknor
Elizabeth - 28 - Bicknor
Ann - 2 - West Dean
James - 8 months - West Dean
John THOMAS - Visitor - 32, Shoemaker, born Bristol

On the 1841 Census, Henry GUNTER is a Male Servant to the Parson, Edward FEILD (age 35) - at Rectory House, English Bicknor (perhaps he got him the job!!!)

Christening - English Bicknor - Henry GUNTER - 29 April 1827, mother Catherine GUNTER (Labourer)

? Death : English Bicknor : Catharine Gunter 16 November 1834 age 32

? Christening - Woolaston 10 May 1811 Catherine GUNTER - parents William & Celia

? Marriage - Hewlesfield 28 May 1848, Henery GUNTER (father William) & Elizabeth WATKINS (father John)

The fact he is a servant to the vicar probably explains his popularity as a witness then!