Family and friends of Ron Newton gathered at 8.30pm on Tuesday night for an 'ethereal and poignant' funeral service.

"It is with a heart full of gratitude that I thank you (Canon Mark) for all your care and attention last night which enabled our little service for my dearly loved husband Ron to take place so beautifully. I have just watched the livestreaming and was so very aware of how special it actually was.

There was a real sense of God being with us in our lovely church: then coming out into the velvety darkness of the night, with the hearse beautifully positioned under the lights - that presence was still overarching us.

Judy Dodwell was on her way home after running the In Betweens meeting in the hall and she was deeply touched by what she saw. I quote from her email;

On my way out of the hall I saw the most ethereal and poignant sight. There was a funeral taking place at the church and several people were gathered around a beautiful casket covered in a glorious array of cream flowers. It was dark but the the church lights shone down on the scene and it is a sight I will never forget.

Because our time frame was so tight we could not contact many friends. Click here for those who would like to watch a recording of the service.

So thank you and Jenny too - I don't think many people will forget the evening."