Martin Pearson Funeral - 6th May 2014





The Funeral of Martin Pearson took place at the church at St. Giles, Lincoln at 11:00am on Tuesday 6th May.

Half muffled ringing took place before the service. Shortly before the coffin bearers came into church, the bells settled into rounds and then gradually each bell stood in turn, starting with the Treble until at last only the Tenor was tolling as the cortege made its way into the church.

The service was led by the incumbent, the Revd Mary O'Connell and we started by singing the hymn "Immortal, Invisible". This was followed by a reading and a short reflection.

Martin's very dry sense of humour was known to most of us, so it was entirely fitting that he had chosen a comic poem to be read at his Funeral. Jeremy Wheeldon read "Slough" by Sir John Betjeman.

The Revd O'Connell then reflected on the various aspects of Martin's life, from his family life, his working life, his love of travelling and of course his love of Bellringing. It was good to see a great many Bellringers in the church.

After the prayers and the Committal, we sang a final hymn "Praise My Soul the King of Heaven". The cortege left with the bells ringing and with musical accompaniment on the organ from Les Townsend.

There was a short period of ringing after the service. As I rang the second to some Rounds, I couldn't help noticing (with some wry amusement) that the muffles were on the wrong side of the clappers. I think Martin would have been highly amused at this.

Immediate family then proceeded to the Crematorium, while the rest of us went to the Homestead at Bracebridge Heath for the wake.

Rest In Peace Martin. You will be greatly missed, especially those old jokes!!!

Jonathan Clark (webmaster)