Alison, the consummate organiser, arranged a brilliant funeral for herself - parking and pub opposite the church.

The opening (and closing) music was Bill Caddick singing John of Dreams. Pupils from the Kings School sang "Make me a channel of your peace". Sarah Hayward sang "Coattails" - a song she'd written, and which Alison particularly liked, about how parents give their children the best days of their lives, and of the parents' lives.

Jim Mageean, Dave Webber, Anni Fentiman, Johnny Collins, Hugh Diamond, Mick Pearce and Kevin Sheils came to remember Alison, who made a unique contribution to all our lives.