The funeral service for the family

 The family had done an amazing job in organising this private funeral for about 20 close family members. We were all dressed in mostly black and entered the church to see the two coffins arranged in between the choir stalls. There was an extensive floral arrangement on each of them consisting of white dahlias, white carnations and other white flowers. This had been arranged by Christine Ash and her daughter Amanda - a neighbouring farmer and contemporary of Roberts. 

The service was conducted by Ed who is Caryn’s brother in law and a vicar in a church in London. I gave the eulogy which I had spent days revising. I must admit to getting a bit “lumpy” as I read the first part and had to pause. Many of the family had tears streaming down their cheeks. It seemed to be well received - many people said to me how much they appreciated the words.

There was a small choir of four professional singers - one was Amanda’s son and had been a chorister in Canterbury Cathedral. They sung a piece by John Rutter.

Then the funeral directors came in and carried the two coffins to the graveyard. We sat for a while listening to quiet organ music and then walked to the graveside while David’s coffin was lowered into the deep grave hole and Ed committed him. Ashes and flowers were scattered then we had a twenty minute break where it was great to catch up with friends and family. I particularly was pleased to talk to my sisters best friend Wendy Roberts (ex Mount) who had come down from Norfolk with her son James. Then there was Mary Urey - a first cousin with whom Anne would meet for lunch at St Pancras  station regularly. 

Then we all returned the gravesite and Anne’s coffin was lowered on top of David’s. Many of us scattered flowers and dirt onto the coffin. We all then returned to the farm and changed into mufti for the second part of the day.

There were no photographs taken. We will all retain this extraordinary moving ceremony and burial in our memories as something likely quite unique and never likely to be experienced again.