Today was the day that all Mum's friends and family said goodbye to her for the final time. The church service at St. Andrew's in Shottery was well attended, with around 200 coming to pay their last respects to Gill. The funeral service was led by The Reverend James Warren and was very emotional. Mum was brought in by the bearers, which included her sons, Peter and Craig, and her grandson, Tom, who looked very smart in his Army Cadets uniform. The church was filled with beautiful music as Marion, on violin, and Rosemary, on piano, gave us a beautiful rendition of 'Moon River'. This was one of Mum's favourites and she used to listen to it with her Mum and Dad, George and Laura, when we were younger. Debbie amazed us all by having the strength and determination to do the Tribute to Mum. She found just the right blend of humour, sentiment and respect to remember a wonderful lady. When she completed it there was a spontaneous round of applause from everyone to show their appreciation for her efforts. You will find Debbie's final tribute to her Mum on this website. Marion sang 'Amazing Grace' unaccompanied and it too was very emotional. She has a beautiful voice and to hear it sung so well was very moving for all those attending. There was some emotion in her voice at the very end - it must be a very hard thing for anyone to do. It must have been very difficult for Gill's granddaughters, Louise and Lydia, to follow all that and read a poem that was specially selected called 'The Book' by Paul Meadows. It is a poem about remembering someone in all the things you do every day, and how someone special will always be with you. THE BOOK Go to that place we loved, our secret place. Close your eyes and you'll see my face. Play that tune, the tune we loved to hear. Close your eyes and you'll see me clear. Walk on a beach or climb to the top of a hill. Close your eyes and you'll see me still. Take a sip of wine, dark red wine. Close your eyes and you'll see me fine. At night go out and look at the brightest star. Close your eyes and you'll see me far. On a day when the sky is blue and cold and clear, Close your eyes and you'll see me near. Take down a book that would have been my choice. Open the book. Close your eyes. You'll hear my voice. Reverend Warren conducted the service beautifully and his words were of great comfort to many in the congregation. The service was a great final tribute to Gill and I'm sure she would have been pleased to have seen so many friends attending to pay their last respects to her. The service concluded at Oakley Wood with the Committal and the family all listened to 'Three Times A Lady' with Mum for the final time. Thank you to everyone who attended, and also to those who joined us afterwards at Stratford Bowls Club. It was nice to spot some pictures of Mum and Ian in the clubhouse. It is a place that brings back so many memories of Mum and a fitting place to share our memories of Gill.