Right, I have been to see Wendy yesterday afternoon. Things are not totally finalised and Wendy strikes me as being very shocked, which is totally understandable. But she is doing well and sensibly, which is all to the good. I was glad she was able to weep too as, professionally, I see too many folks who are not able to at the time and then are utterly devastated six months down the line
First: yes, Wendy would be delighted to see anyone that wishes to attend. Her dread was that it would be a tiny funeral, with just their (very few) relations there as they were so far from home. I think she would feel quite humbled if we were able to turn up "en masse", though I appreciate the difficulties of some getting time off work to do that for a non-relative. But whoever is able - please come! Second, don't be afraid to be scruffy. One person has anxiously asked me about this, coming straight from a boat. This is what Wendy will be doing and she has no "feminine" attire with her to do the glamour bit. She thinks Mike would have no qualms about this either Third, there will be no formal "do" after the service. Wendy is unable to organise this, but would be delighted if anyone (at their own expense) was able to join her in the Red Bull after the service to simply raise a glass to Mike's memory. Those unable to attend could do the same about 12 Noon wherever they are Fourth, the service: 11am at Bradwell Crematorium in Newcastle under Lyme, as said previously. Mike was a sympathetic and generous spirited Anglo-Catholic (apparently) and would want a formal Anglican service, though with definite personal touches. We are hoping that David Long will be able to join me in taking this Finally, there will be a memorial service at the London Canal Museum, but as yet there is no date for this Wendy is OK, but very much alone, though she has some splendid friends (amongst us, partly) who, with BW are being wonderfully helpful Ian Cardinal "History will be kind to me for I intend to write it. " Sir Winston Churchill
