Funeral Arrangements For Paul Miller

The service for village resident Paul Miller will be held at Yeovil crematorium at 13.20 hrs. on Tuesday, 9th April.
Anyone who would like to come along and raise a glass in his memory, are welcome to join the family at The White Lion from 15.30 hrs. onwards.

“Thank you to everyone for all the kind thoughts, cards and flowers we have received, we are overwhelmed with kindness.”

– Chris and family x

Our Deepest Condolences
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris, Jo and all the family at this sad time.

❤ Paul Miller 04.09.1947 – 15.03.2024  ❤

#Broadwindsor #Burstock #Blackdown #Drimpton #Hursey #Kittwhistle #Seaborough #WestDorset #Dorset #Village #Community #SadLoss #Family #Love #Thoughts #Prayers #Funeral #Celebration #Farewell #MissYou #PayRespect #BeKind #BeSafe #StaySafe

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 ❤


#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#BBCSounds,#Thoughts,#Sadness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Simon Emmerson Tribute on Radio 4

Starting at 21 minutes in, today’s broadcast of the Last Word on BBC Radio 4 featured a tribute to Simon Emmerson, whose funeral will take  place on Thursday, 6th April.

To listen, please Click HERE.

❤ Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023 ❤


#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Sadness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Funeral Arrangements For Simon Emmerson

Bandleader, composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and DJ whose interests ranged from rock, jazz, funk, soul and British folk to musical styles from Africa, Latin America and Asia; our village resident, our friend, Simon Emmersons funeral will take place on Thursday, 6th April. Simon died peacefully on on Monday, 13th March.

‘There will be a live webcast shown in the Comrades Hall beginning at 12 noon. There is no dress code and those who wish to pay their respects to Simon are warmly welcome.

A pay bar will be available with all profits going to the White Lion community pub.

Warm wishes from Karen, Ted and Josie.’

  • Simon’s Obituary, published in The Guardian newspaper – Click HERE.
  • Photo credit: Mark Bennett

❤ Simon Daniel Emmerson, 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023 ❤


#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Saddness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Tributes Pour In For Simon Emmerson

Village resident, exceptional musician and friend Simon Emmerson peacefully passed away at Weldmar’s Hospice on Monday, 13th March after living with cancer for several years.

The photograph, taken by Mark Bennett shows Simon on the right with Johny Kalsi (left) and N’Faly Kouyaté (middle) on stage just before a performance at WOMAD Festival.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media after his band, the Afro Celt Sound System publicly announced Simon‘s passing.:

Simon touched the hearts of millions of people through his music and infinite wisdom. His legacy remains with the amazing people he bought together and they will continue to create the magic of his music with his guidance from above.
We would like to request that our fans, friends and fellow artists to respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.
There will be plans of a tribute memorial concert later in the year and the details will be released on all platforms.
Thank you and Love and Light to you all.”

Incredibly sad, our thoughts and prayers go to Karen, Ted & Josi .

Afro Celt Sound System

❤ Simon Emmerson (Booth) , 12.03.1956 – 13.03.2023 ❤


#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#TragicLoss,#SimonEmmerson,#ThankYouForTheMusic,#AfroCeltSoundSystem,#MarkBennett,#Thoughts,#Saddness,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Respect,#CelebrateLife,#Farewell,#Friend,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Farewell Colin Lawrence

Over 150 people from in and around the parish packed into Broadwindsor’s St. John the Baptist church yesterday afternoon to attend the funeral of Colin Lawrence who died on 23rd December 2022.

After the opening hymn ‘All things bright and beautiful‘, Colin’s granddaughter, Amy read a poem –

‘Goodbye Grandad’

Heaven has received another angel,
The night sky another star.
Your life has become a loving memory.
I know you will never be far.
I know you’re watching over me
As my life goes on.
I will treasure the memories I have of you.
I can’t believe you’re gone.
You were a loving, caring grandad
You were there for me a lot.
You will always hold a place in my heart,
A loving treasured spot.
You were really one in a million,
A cut above the rest.
All who knew you would agree.
You simply were the best.
So, Grandad, I will say goodbye.
I love and miss you with all my heart,
But as long as I have my loving memories,
We will never be too far apart.

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Rev. David Baldwin read the Eulogy prepared by his family:

Colin was born on the 2nd May 1937 and was the youngest son of Kathleen & Cyril, & lived at Seavington St Mary, near Ilminster. He had one brother, Keith. He attended schools in Ilminster. On leaving school he worked on a local farm and following this he did National Service in the Royal Air Force, his section being the Fire Brigade Crew. Some of this time was spent in Germany.

One winters night in 1956, Valerie & 3 of her friends were in Broadwindsor Square when they heard the sound of a motorbike approaching from Drimpton Road. On the bike was Colin riding pillion behind his brother!! After their first meeting, Colin continued to cycle from Seavington St Mary to Broadwindsor every weekend as due to work commitments that was the only spare time he had. This was the start of their romance & 64 years of marriage!

In 1958, on Boxing Day, they were married here in Broadwindsor Church whilst Colin was home on leave. There first marital home was in Burstock.

In 1961, Mandy was born. Unfortunately, Colin was away training in Finchley for the Fire Service so he missed this event.

Following his National Service he then worked for Newmans of Beaminster assisting with the digging of boreholes. After this he then drove for South Western Farmers in Crewkerne delivering animal feeds.

In 1966, Wayne was born and Colin was present this time!!

In the late 60s, Colin started driving for Ready Mixed Concrete until he retired, and still remained in contact with former workmates. The family recalls whenever they were on their travels in Dorset or Somerset, Colin would often comment, ‘I‘ve delivered concrete there‘, and would often remember what was being built at the time.

Sadly Colin lost his Brother, Keith, which left a huge hole in his life as they were so close, and used to visit one another on a weekly basis.

In 1971, the family moved to Broadwindsor, then in 2005 returned back to Burstock.

From 1972 – 1992 he served as a Special Constable working from Bridport Police Station. This was a job he enjoyed doing, giving back to the community.

In 1996, Amy arrived which made him the proudest Grandad ever. The family enjoyed many happy holidays together in Cornwall during Amy’s early years. He was so proud of her tennis achievements, which I’m sure you’re all aware of!! Amy can remember how he used to play tennis with her in the road at Burstock, and even in his 60s he could give her a run for her money. He also hit many balls in the neighbours gardens!

Colin loved the outdoors. He loved shooting, beating & gardening. He also played in a skittles team in the Cattistock Hunt League. Colin & Valerie also belonged to Broadwindsor Over 60s club which met monthly, and revelled in the outings. Through these interests he’s made many close friendships. Up until recently he was still gardening for Michelle & Mick at Broadwindsor, and Jackie & John at Clapton, despite having a large garden of his own. He liked helping other people out! He also loved animals. Over recent years has tamed many a stray cat, and they’ve all been given names.

Colin never lost his sense of humour whilst in hospital. On one occasion when Mandy & Amy visited him and the Nurse asked him who they were, he pointed at Amy and said, ‘That’s my Amy’, then pointed to Mandy and said, ‘She’s from Dorset’. It’s clear to say Mandy wasn’t expecting that!!

All of you that are here today will know that Colin was a positive, thoughtful, caring and loving family man, and would do anything to help anyone. However, his time keeping was not always the best, even in his final moments. Mandy and Amy having spent 32 hours by his bedside, the Nurses moved him into a side room, during this short distance with no one by his side he passed away much to the surprise of everyone. Particularly Amy, who uttered words that can not be repeated today!

Colin may be gone but will never be forgotten, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

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A lovely poignant poem followed:

Always there

When you remember me,

Please do not weep.

My body may not be there.

It has chosen to sleep.

 I’m not far away.

My soul lives on,

Looking down, watching over

You and everyone.

And when you feel sad

And life seems so blue,

Just remember

That my spirit has its arms around you.

And on those special days

Times that you wish I could see,

That cool breeze flowing past you…

Well, that will be me,

So don’t be sad.

Have no fear.

God has taken me under his wing,

But I’ll always be near.

I still watch you

Every minute, every day.

My love and soul are with you,

And that’s where they will stay.

Colin exited the church to the music ‘Always look on the bright side of life‘ performed by The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Commander in Chief Fleet. The Committal took place at Burstock Churchyard.
Afterwards, friends and family gathered together at the Comrades Hall to enjoy a lovely buffet and to share and celebrate their memories of Colin.

Any donations in Colin‘s name are requested to go to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.


❤ Colin Gerald Lawrence 02.05.1937 – 23.12.2022  ❤

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#SadLoss,#Family,#Love,#Thoughts,#Prayers,#Funeral,#BeaminsterTeamChurches,#Wake,#Celebration,#Farewell,#MissYou,#LoveYou,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Funeral Arrangements For Colin Lawrence

The funeral service for Colin Lawrence, who passed away on 23rd December 2022, will take place at St. John the Baptist Church in Broadwindsor on Wednesday, 25th January at 2pm. His burial will then take place at St. Andrew’s church in Burstock.

Colin’s wake will be at the Comrades Hall, Broadwindsor and all his friends are invited to attend. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to Val, Mandy, Wayne & granddaughter, Amy ❤


Family flowers only please. Any donations, please send to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance HERE or by mail to c/o A J Wakely & Sons, 7 North Street, Beaminster, DT8 3DZ.

 


❤ Colin Lawrence 02.05.1937 – 23.12.2022  ❤

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#SadLoss,#Family,#Love,#Thoughts,#Prayers,#Funeral,#BeaminsterTeamChurches,#Wake,#Celebration,#Farewell,#MissYou,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Funeral Arrangements for Julie Steele

Julie Steele‘s funeral service will take place on Friday, 6th January at 2pm in St. John the Baptist church in BroadwindsorJulie requested that everyone please dress with colour 🙂

Julie, who died on Monday, 12th, always had a huge smile for everyone throughout her long struggle with cancer and will be sorely missed in her role as President of the village’s W.I.

Julie‘s service will be followed by her wake at the Comrades Hall.

❤ Julie Steele 21.07.1965– 12.12.2022 ❤

#Broadwindsor,#Burstock,#Blackdown,#Drimpton,#Hursey,#Kittwhistle,#Seaborough,#WestDorset,#Dorset,#Village,#Community,#WI,#Funeral,#StJohnTheBaptistChurch,#Respect,#Thoughts,#Prayers,#MissYou,#Farewell,#BeKind,#BeSafe,#StaySafe

Farewell Suzette Riggs

Friends and family gathered together yesterday to celebrate the life of Suzette Riggs, Sue who died earlier last month.  Sue had requested a non-attendance cremation, which puzzled some but had to be respected.  The following are the words spoken by the Celebrant, Helen Salway-Roberts from Hillside Ceremonies:

“Hello how lovely to see you all as we join together to celebrate the life of one of Broadwindsor`s finest our very own Sue Riggs, a woman who was strong of mind and will, a tiny woman with broad shoulders where many here will have laid your weary heads or shed a tear, for that was her way, the unofficial social worker, confidante , and wise ol’ bird of Broadwindsor.

How are you managing without her ?,  for when the proverbial hit the fan , she`s the one you turned too, she`d know what to do, the one who could help is not here when we need her the most, the giver of sound advice, every community needs a Sue Riggs.

We`ll never know why Sue made the decision to not have a funeral, opting for a non attended cremation, but you can be sure it would not have been made lightly, no she`d have thought it through, and it would have been made with the best of intentions, my hunch is that she was trying to protect and spare you her friends, her loved ones from the pain and heartache of a funeral ceremony.

As a funeral celebrant you could say I am a bit biased , but it seems to me that goodbyes are important and they need to done with others who miss that special person who is no longer with us.

We also need to celebrate together the life that has ended, we don`t need a chapel or church to remember, this hall definitely feels right, how many times has your Sue celebrated in this village hall, how many village shindigs and shenanigans has Sue been party to here , if these walls could talk eh !.

She loved you her friends and family, she`d not see this gathering as going against her wishes, I think she`d be chuffed to see you all here, no big fuss it`s not a funeral , it`s a doo, and she loved a  bit of a doo, so we`ll have a natter, they`ll be chance for you all to chip in if you want to as we take a trip down memory lane ,there`ll no formal eulogy that wasn`t her thing, and then we`ll share slice a cake, there had to be snack, no one left Sues company hungry.

Every morning she`d put on her trusty red lipstick, back in the day she`d rock a classic beehive, just so , lookout world here I come, do not be fooled by her tiny stature but she was a proper firecracker who took no prisoners you knew where you stood, and to stand at Sue`s side was a  good place to be, a heart the size of a planet, who loved and was loved indeed always will be loved dearly.

And that’s what brought you all here today, to remember, and remember well.”

Helen then welcomed Julie & Sally to speak:

“Hello Everyone
It is so lovely to see so many of you here today, thank you all for being here. Sally and I would like to share some special memories but together by our mum and by us  of Sue.
Suzette (Sue) – Wife, mum, mum-in-law, Granny, Sister, Auntie & Friend. What special memories and love we have all shared for Sue. Suzette was born in 1946 the youngest of four children,  sister to John, Peter and Myrtle.  She was Affectionately known as Lettuce when she was a little girl although we are not sure how that came about or by whom do you know Pete? Being another girl it was taken as read that when old enough she would tag along in her sister’s shadow. Sue tagging along was not always cool and not always welcomed, so inevitably there were times when she was  subjected to the  odd prank or two. She also had to spend time as a lookout in case Nan came back while mum was up to no good.

She was also a bit of a prankster herself, when our dad first came to live in the village he was walking his dog down the road when Suzette and her friend shouted “ Hey Terry your dog just peed in our milk” obviously dad was unsure whether this was true or not so he gave them the money to buy some more, but not before he threw the other away. He still doesn’t know to this day whether it was-true or not and she would never ever let on.
When the two sisters were older and the age gap not as meaningful one thing soon became clear and that was their friendship and love for each other, which carried them right through their adult life, along with their love  for their big brothers John and Peter, and Peters wife Pat.  It must also be mentioned that Suzette had a big Soft spot for our father Terry and regarded him as another big brother.
Once mum and dad took Sue on a trip to WestBay, they were hungry and decided to buy Harvest Fruit Pies for lunch ( who remembers them) ? At that time there were many different flavours and combinations of flavours. Suzette was sent to buy the pies ( how difficult could that be)? All three wanted something different, Suzette wanted Apple, dad wanted Pineapple and mum wanted Pineapple and Apple. Off Suzette went with the order but was soon back with a confused look on her face saying “but that is four pies when there is only the 3 of us”, she never did get it that the Pineapple and Apple were one flavour, even recently she still couldn’t make sense of the request.
There was also a time as a teenager when Suzette had a little too much to drink, she went next door to the Fursemans to sober up, Nan kept asking if anyone had seen Suzette but this was denied wholeheartedly by all of them “ no Mrs Gay they said innocently we haven’t seen her” . She was kept with them until sober enough to return home, Nan never any the wiser.

It should be known that living next door to our grandparents, Suzette was a devoted daughter and was always there for them, Peter and mum played their part too but Suzette was the one that was always on hand.
Sally and I were her older nieces followed a little later by Karen and Tracey, Sally and I were never allowed to call her Auntie as this made her feel old but by the time Karen and Tracey came on the scene she got more used to the idea. Is that right Karen were you allowed to call her Auntie?
She was the cool, unshockable aunt, a confidant. As many of you know she had no aires and graces and would call a spade a spade which is what made her special as we all knew where we stood with her. She was always interested in what went on in our lives and loved to hear various stories of what we were all doing. Followed later by are own childrens antics and family lives.
One funny incident was on our dad’s 80th birthday and we had a party for him in Beaminster playing fields, to get there you had to climb a hedge bank, so not to miss out Suzette was piggy backed across the bank by my eldest son Jon, how they didn’t fall in the ditch on the other side I still don’t know to this day as they were laughing so much and wobbling like they were on ice, both survived and did it again on the way back over.

Finally we mention those who always came first to Sue, Wayne of course and his wife Elaine and their daughters Holly and Lorna, she was so proud of you all, and everything you have and will continue to achieve as a family.
To you all – just try to remember that where there’s love there’s memories and with those memories there are smiles and one day laughter again of the times you shared together.”

 


Helen then read out a personal message from a dear friend, Anna Russell:

<< I met Suzette in July 2001. I was a newly qualified teacher employed at Broadwindsor Primary School and at the time Suzette was the cleaner and all round Social Worker!!!  The best and most skilful in her game!!
Suzette( and Mini the dog!) befriended me from day one. She was the kind of person who within ten minutes had asked enough questions and had had enough experience to know just who you were! I was a DORSET girl so I was O.K.!  She reminded me instantly of my Portland granny who employed just the same tactic!!
Ten minutes became 21 years! From colleagues to friends and near family. Suzette became my second mum (Endorsed by my own mum and dad who have  met her on several occasions and always held her in the highest esteem because of the care and love she always bestowed upon me !).
We continued to support  one another even when Suzette retired and I left the school at Broadwindsor to start a new life in Portland in 2018.  Suzette was anxious that I’d be lonely, but after a visit including a fish and chip lunch thought I’d be just  fine!
We supported one another throughout the pandemic with our calls throughout the day, every day and some surprise visits from me and some very hairy bikers!!
I miss Suzette, Mrs Riggs, my Friend dearly. >>

Her closest friend Vanessa Studley then spoke:

Friendship and Love
A friendship is fondly found, forged and fashioned over 21 years.
A friendship started with a cup of tea in the ‘Fozzie’ cup and afternoon classroom visits with dearest Mini.
Our friendship is ‘Morning Chil’ ‘.
Always saying ‘I’m going on’ at the end of the day and  ‘Night, night sleep tight’ every night before bed.
Friendship was larking and laughing. Riding in ‘chariots’, chasing froglets, hoovering artificial grass and delivering precious but forgotten Mother’s Day cards around our village.
Love is soothing  happy and sad tears. Tough love, advice and honesty even when it hurts.
Love is picking up the pieces, dusting thoughts and tidying minds.
Love is being a second mum but no less cherished than my first.
Love is a pork chop or chips n egg made with a crinkly cutter.
Love, support and comfort always spanned  the miles and the sea between us.
Love is having to say goodbye to my dearest friend but knowing that she will hold a place in my heart forever.

My what a wonderful difference one single life can make.

Our friend was at the heart and soul of this village, born in no2 Little Court, then when she married her beloved Sean she upped sticks and moved no 3 Little Court  where she happily saw out the rest of her days, not that she`d not have a good moan when it was needed she was honest and forthright, you knew where you stood, never shy of putting you straight but more often than not it was laughter you heard from this house.

She loved her husband , wrapping her arms around him the squeeze of a woman who`s found her place in the world and knew exactly where she wanted to be, he was one lucky man.

You all were lucky, Broadwindsor was lucky, she`d taken herself off to foreign lands to earn a bob or two , working at Guppy`s of Bridport, The Pines of Beaminster , Van Heusen s of Crewkerne, but was none too impressed, there`s something to be said for knowing you mind and following your heart and Sues brought her straight back home to first work in the shop in Broadwindsor for a fair few years, until September 1st 1983 when she first rolled up her sleeves and set too in sorting our Broadwindsor Primary School, that`s everyone pupils and staff alike, initially as a dinner lady then as a cleaner, caretaker and key holder,  the place where she saw out her working life, 33 years she devoted to your school, to your children, most likely to you, and even your parents, yep and league`s of fresh faced teachers too, who learnt more from our Sue than any text book or collage, as we have heard from her dear friend Anna , Sue was not just employed at that school she was that school.
And she took her pastoral responsibilities most seriously , so much so that she had to rope her pal Vanessa into sharing the cleaning with her, to free up more time to sort out the teachers complicated lives, her pearls of wisdom were in constant demand.
She loved kids, all kids , they made her laugh, do you think she had any idea just what a positive difference she had to all those little tackers lives, they loved Miss, everyone of them.
Remember her Tabard that classic uniform of a hard working woman of a certain era . intent on getting a job done, no messing, her pockets full of biscuit crumbs, from custard creams nicked from Becky`s lunch box.
Yes she was no Angel, Sue could be a right bugger, set her mind on something nothing got in her way, you`d be a fool to wouldn’t you, there was passion and spirit about her.
Loved her garden, growing her own prize winning veg, no Leeks rivalled Sue`s nor her tenderly nurtured Fuchsias that showed with pride at the   Horticultural Show, though truth be told her husband grew them , though she watered them now and again.
She was a bit of an oracle in the village , nothing slipped past our Sue,  she could keep Mum though, many a tale she takes to the grave.

Now read on behalf of Vanessa,

Never forgotten-

I think of things you used to say

And all that you would do,

At some point, every single day,

My thoughts will turn to you.

To lose you was a bitter wrench,

The pain cut to my core.

I cried until my tears ran out

And then I cried some more.

This wouldn’t be your wish for me

That I’d be forever sad

So I try to remind myself

Of the happy times we had.

I know I can’t be with you now

And you can’t be with me

But safe inside my heart you’ll stay,

That’s where you’ll always be.

“Thank you Vanessa , I`m sure that most people here today will identify with those poignant words, when we met to plan today Vanessa was very clear that it was not about her, she was adamant about that, it`s not about me she said again and again, I can see why she and Sue were such close friends, two very strong will straight talking women.
But I too can be strong willed, so I will override that instruction just briefly,and say loud and clear that this gathering would not have happened with out you, your efforts and determination to honour and say goodbye to your dear friend Sue.
Thank you, and to all those who have supported you in making today so special, and of course thank you Sue Riggs, for living a life that has been such a joy to revisit in this village hall in the place you called home.
I`ll now share a prayer

The Death Of Someone We Love

The death of someone we love and care about

Is like the death of part of us.

No one else will ever call out from within us

Quite the same responses, the same feelings or actions or ideas.

Their death is an ending of one part of a story.

 

Lord as we look back over Sue’s life

We ask what we have received, what we can appropriate

And continue on in our own lives and what must be laid to rest.

 

Our love for her reminds us that our sharing

In one another’s lives brings both support and pain.

Our being parted from her reminds us of our own mortality

And that your love is enduring.

 

We thank you that our love for Sue draws us together

And gives us a new appreciation of one another

And of the beauty and fragility of relationships

Which mirror your grace and goodness to us.

 

Lord, time’s tide may wash her footprints from the shore

But not our love for her nor the influence of her life upon our own

Nor the ways in which they will ever be a sign for us

Of those things which really matter-which are eternal.

Hear this prayer for your love’s sake.

Amen.

Helen continued, “At the beginning of her beloved husband Seans funeral, Sue walked into the church to Vanessa singing Lay The Blanket On The Ground, saying that to hear her friends voice would remind her of happy days dancing with her hubby at Royal Oak.”

Thanks were given and those present shared some tea, home made sandwiches, delicious cakes and their memories of Sue.

Anyone wishing to donate in memory of Sue can do so by contributing to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance HERE.

 


Suzette Riggs
25.08.1946 – 14.04.2022

 

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