Swindon Folksingers Club post after the funeral

Thanks to everyone who paid tribute to Ted yesterday at his funeral and wake, and for all the warm wishes from those who couldn’t attend.

Aptly, both the service and the wake were full of singing.

I suspect there were few dry eyes in the house, as Ted arrived in his coffin to one of Ivy’s favourite songs, ‘If I were a Blackbird’, a recording sung by Geraldine Sexton.

Dick Miles sang, ‘Keep that wheel a’turning/William Brown’, with everyone joining in the chorus.

And, of course, there was a rousing rendition of the left-wing anthem,‘The Internationale.’

Eric Stott and Mark Johnson gave beautiful tributes from the folk club and from the Communist party.

Paul Robeson’s ‘Joe Hill’ was the exit music, and many could hear Ted singing it as we listened.

It was testament to Ted’s universal popularity to see so many friends from all over the UK. It’s the first time I have ever seen the crematorium car park full to bursting, with many cars having to park on the green verges too.

The wake, held so appropriately in the ‘Legends Lounge’, was full to bursting, with many old friends reminiscing, singing and celebrating Ted’s amazing life, his gift of friendship, and his beliefs and ethos.

Ted really was, and remains, a true legend.

If anyone didn’t manage to write in the Book of Remembrance but would like to include some words, please comment below or send them as a private message via Swindon Folksingers Club facebook page (link above), and I will print them out and include them in the book for Ivy.

Also, a number of people asked whether they could have a copy of the photo slideshow. Let me have your email address by private message to the club, and I’ll forward it to you.

Ivy, you too are a legend, and we’re all holding you in our thoughts in the coming days and months ahead.

Please do keep in touch with Ivy as she will need all her friends and family around her.


Ted singing William Brown