Saturday.

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There are two parts to this blog entry :-
You may remember that on June 18th I reported a dreadful road accident in our town, which resulted in the death of a three year old girl.  Her funeral was on Thursday in the United reform Church here. It was one of the most moving funerals I've attended. The church was full (about four hundred people, I would think). Her parents had suggested that as it was a child's funeral, cheerful colours should be worn. Her father joined in the service, friends read the lessons, and her older sister who is just ten gave the eulogy!  She was incredibly brave. She almost broke down a couple of times, but, supported by Paul, her father,  she carried on to the end of what she'd decided to say about her little sister. When she'd finished, a spontaneous round of applause broke out (in which, I confess, we wholeheartedly joined - never known such a thing at a funeral - but somehow, it felt 'right'). After the funeral, the hearse drove off towards the cemetery   at the other end of town, followed by about ninety- nine  per cent of the congregation (all of us who could physically make the three quarters of a mile walk along the High Street). It was a surprising sight to look along this colourful procession, winding its way along the High Street on foot, headed by the hearse, and as it passed all the shopkeepers came out onto the pavements and stood to attention with bowed heads in respect and sympathy. After the  words of the burial service had been read almost everyone scattered a little of the very dry earth onto the three foot long coffin.

Afterwards most of us walked back to the other end of town via the River Walk, which was restful.

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Yesterday, Friday, fourth of July, we were woken by granddaughter Georgia on the telephone at just after six a.m. to report that at five a.m. she had given birth to Elsa Elizabeth Gumley, our first  Great-Grandchild;
So, OF COURSE, in the afternoon, I went to London by train to make the young lady's aquaintance.  First picture shows Georgie, Andy and Elsa. Next three photies are, I should think, self explanatory.  I DO like very young babies.  It's so easy to keep them happy.

                                 I wish you  all a very good day!!!

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