Farewell to a good Friend and Mason

Up early this morning and I hoisted the West Sussex flag to half-mast to mark the funeral of Cameron Eckford which was to take place this morning at Worthing Crematorium. After a breakfast of sausage, bacon and eggs, I set off for Worthing stopping off at Arundel for a coffee. Cameron's funeral was very well attended by family, friends and brethren. The Rev. Stephen Terry, the Provincial Grand Chaplain, took the service with tributes from his daughter, W. Bro. Paul Small and Stephen himself. The service was held in the large chapel at Worthing with seating in a semi-circle. A delightful chapel. After the service I attended the wake at the Windsor Hotel close to the seafront at Worthing and chatted to members of the family. It was interesting to learn that Cameron was brought up in the same street in South Shields as the famous author, Catherine Cookson and in her biography mention is made of the Eckford family. As I was driving back to Wiltshire I learned that Sara had somehow managed to slice her left index finger with a bread-knife whilst cutting bread for the patrons of the Lord Nelson Arms and taken herself off to the Accident and Emergency Department of Salisbury General Hospital. Fortunately, she didn't need any stitches but her finger needs to be kept dry for the next three days. I will need to wash her hair - which will be fun! In fact, I am going up to Leeds on Sunday for Maureen's Requiem Mass and Funeral and will not be back until Tuesday evening. Tonight I went to Conron's Irish Bar in Salisbury to say join two more Friends Provident people who are leaving. Another buffet! My diet has taken a real knock today (as it will over the next few days). Think the diet will have to take a back seat this week and get back on it again next. Must get some exercise.