Phil Marx's funeral

As we all knew - Wednesday was the day of the SWLAGM at Hersham  - but it was also the day of Phil Marx’s funeral.   Hence choices had to be made and myself and others forsook the AGM (with apologies to Pete Barnard) and opted to go to Phil's funeral in Barnes. 

Mike Pontin,Terry Lowe, John Gould and Brian? (sorry) and Anna joined me as we headed off to Barnes.   It was a tight call, with the funeral at 12.30 and our group not getting away until approximately 11.10? 

Robin Johnson very kindly spent some time on the phone with me to spell out the best route to take. (Turned out that Mike was also familiar with the area...a great help, thanks Mike :) 

My given route was via Molesey to Hampton Court where Anna left us, on through Bushey Park to Teddington, over the footbridge and straight on into Richmond Park via Ham Gate to exit at Roehampton Gate.  Many deer to be seen in Richmond Park and what with the sun shine it made for a glorious bike ride!

Once exiting the park and getting on to Priory Road it was as good as straight on into Barnes.   We did get a bit edgy when both level crossing gates at Vine Road remained down for what seemed like 'for ever'!!  The time now was 12.18!  (I did not realise we were so near to the Methodist Church where the service was held!) The church was but a short distance into Station Road and we were relieved to see so many people gathered outside - meaning that we were on time!! 

We met Lynda and many others from the easy riders but as the church was so full of guests we were unable to sit all together but chatted later in the Church Hall over a cuppa etc.

Several people, family and friends, including Fuzz, (on behalf of The Wayfarers), spoke very highly of Phil, about the part he played in the church and of all his other wonderful attributes.  Phil's family were very pleased to see us and all the other cyclists for it seems that the leisure side of his life was almost totally taken up with cycling - what a lovely family.

Mike, Terry and myself took our leave around 2.45 and was soon caught up by John who left us in Richmond Park and the next parting of the ways was at Kingston Bridge.  

From there I continued to Gill's house in Sunbury for tea, by prior arrangement! Gill is looking really good and her walking is improving every day and the pain is most definitely far less than straight after her op!!   Gill wants me to say thank you to everybody for their best wishes.

I eventually took my leave and was home 7pm.   All of 43 miles for me!!

Just to say that we will not see Irene for a couple of weeks as she left home Tuesday for Weymouth where she is caring for her friend who has had a knee operation.   So...as Gill is out of action, I have been nominated to lead the B ride 28th November !!!   Irene has given me her intended route so it will still be an 'Irene' ride!

 

 

 

Pam