Farewell Simon Emmerson

Broadwindsor’s Comrades Hall was full to capacity on Thursday afternoon as family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Simon Emmerson who died peacefully on 13th March 2023.

The ceremony at Yeovil crematorium had been full to capacity also. Led by Celebrant Philip Carr-Gomm, the Order of Ceremony was full of beautiful words and music:

  • Entry Music
    Peace, Love and Harmonium from Synaethesia,
    Lush Fresh Handmade Sound
  • Words Of Welcome
    Valerie Etienne singing Release.
  • Eulogy
    Paul Emmerson
    Ted Emmerson
  • Jackie Oates singing Lark in the Morning
  • Eulogy
    Adrian Matthews
    Johnny Kalsi
  • N’faly Kouyate plays the kora
  • Eulogy
    Mark Constantine
  • Child Among the Weeds by Lal & Mike Waterson
  • Closing Words & Farewell
    Time for Man to go Home sung by Forest School Camps.

After an exceptional and moving ceremony, family and friends gathered at the Comrades Hall.  Simon’s brother Paul invited those present to share their stories of their encounters with Simon… Without any hesitation, Simon’s mother, Marcia Last – now in her 90’s – was the first to speak and we thank Marcia and the family for their permission to share this amateur recording…


Paul
also gave credit and thanks to Simon’s Obituary, published in The Guardian newspaper – Click HERE.

Throughout the afternoon celebrations continued and a video montage played on the big screen with much memorabilia, predominately shared by Karen, on tables around the Hall.  This included an exclusive book of photographs taken by local resident and photographer, Jamie Dawson which he had published in time to gift Simon shortly before he died.
(Please note: all images below are copyrighted to James Dawson.)

Again with kind permission from Karen and the rest of Simon’s family, please enjoy this amateur recording by Peter Roe of the Imagined Village‘s encore! performance, joined by Billy Bragg, at the Electric Palace, Bridport last summer

 

Yesterday, the Afro Celt Sound System stated on social media, “Thank you Simon for leaving us with the immense magic and wisdom of your music. The New Album OVA (short for Ovate) and the Afro Celt Symbol) will be a continuation of the gift you have left us. We will tour and gig with you and Jo guiding us all the way. We love you and we miss you dearly.

Weldmar Hospicecare

Donations in Simon’s name for Weldmar Hospicecare may be given HERE.

❤ Our thoughts and prayers go out to Karen, Josie, Ted and all the family at this very sad time ❤

We all thank you Simon! Journey on…

❤ Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023 ❤


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Simon Emmerson Tribute On Radio 6

Aired yesterday, Gilles Peterson broadcast his tribute to Simon Emmerson on his Radio 6 programme: ‘Joining The Musical Dots: Simon Emmerson In Memory‘.

Available for the rest of April, starting at 1 hour, 36 minutes in – you can listen to it on BBC Sounds HERE.

Details of Simon‘s funeral may be found HERE.

 

❤ Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023 ❤


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Westbay Wheelchair Scheme On BBC Radio

Village resident, Elaine Leader spoke with Steve Harris’ Breakfast Show on BBC Radio Dorset yesterday morning about her fundraising campaign for wheelchair access to Westbay beach.

Steve begins his interview with Elaine 54 minutes in – Click HERE to listen (You will need to sign into BBC Sounds account). The interview lasts 5-6 minutes.

A further £200 was raised by donations at the White Lion’s New Year Party 🙂 Thank you!

Your donation for this very worthy cause can be made via the Crowdfunder page HERE.

For more information on Elaine’s Westbay Wheelchair Scheme – Click HERE.

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