The news of David Church’s passing hit us all very hard, but the one ray of light was Southwark Cathedral.

After receiving news that one of their parishioners had died, they offered to conduct a memorial service and bury his ashes in their churchyard.

This is exceptional. They did not have to do that.

A very special thanks to Dr. Oakley and Canon Rawson for their immense efforts and deep consideration.

It took a bit of organising, but the service happened last Thursday. Sadly Anita, Dave’s next of kin, could not attend, our thoughts go out to her.

Typically, the weather was horrible, we were all under the cosh of the flu. Yet getting to the Cathedral was not a chore, rather a pleasant reminder of a dear neighbour who passed.

Southwark Cathedral is very organised. I had barely entered before I was directed towards the Harvard Chapel by a very polite lady.

The chapel where the service was held is a small, lovely, intimate place.

Canon Rawson, the sub-Dean of the Cathedral himself, conducted the main service along with his colleagues.

It was a very personal service. We could give our own memories of Dave. Everyone spoke kindly of him and we remembered his endearing personality and quirks.

There was a wonderful rendition of Handel’s Messiah (Dave loved classical music). It was well attended by about 20 people with everyone thinking and speaking fondly of Dave.

Afterwards, his ashes were buried in the churchyard.

Thanks to Bobby Dixon for the lovely photos, and to the Verger for his care of Dave’s ashes.

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