I am not known for my song writing ability, nor posting my thoughts so publicly but Colin was special.

We left straight from the crematorium but I was texting Mitch, Elizabeth and Theresa as Steve drove along to see how it went.

You know Theresa - when she got a few words she said that's it I am going to sing it! Mitch had some ideas too and Elizabeth helped fit some of the words in a verse but here is what came out.

Elizabeth called us on Steve's mobile so we could hear it on the car speakers as therea sang - it was great!

Colin's Funeral Song

We set off early morning on a clear and sunny day
We 'ad to go to Yarmouth, so we knew we could not stay.
So driving down I wrote this for a very special gent,
So if you couldn't be there you could 'ear just 'ow it went.

They came from near they came from far,
They filled up every pew,
She knew 'e was a steward,
But 'is mother never knew how much this Yorkshire lad was loved,
From Brighton to Dundee.
And they took a lot of food with them so they could 'ave their tea.

Some they came by train or plane,
Some they came by car,
Some met up at the Rhubarb, so they could 'ave a jar.
Then shared lifts together, so they would not be late
But the car park was so full they 'ad to park outside the gate!

The funeral directors came close to stand and stare,
The vicar said he's never heard such singing like that there,
They sang so loud, they sang so clear they, made the rafters ring!
And 'e asked us were we free on Sunday – at his church to sing?

There was a bit of crying, but the tissues they was shared,
And lots and lots of hugging, as we all showed we cared.
We loved 'im and we'll miss 'im, but life it still goes on.
And we will all remember 'im when we join in this song.

So there it is - apologies to Keith Marsden!

Ali