I was proud & privileged to attend a great funeral recently. That of Peter Dawson, aged 66.

It was held in our lovely Cathedral, what a wonderful building. The front bit or nave was pretty much 3/4 full.

The Service, conducted by the Canon Sacrist Andrew Hindley, assisted by another former Council Leader & Lay Canon Malcolm Doherty, was absolutely wonderful.

Peter was the oldest of 9 children we were told from Daisy Lane in Daisyfield. We were told a lot more, almost too much to recall & recount.

Peter was a pretty quiet guy, Labour Party member in his community. A man to be relied upon & whose opinion was well backed up by sagacity & judgement.

The hymns chosen were Amazing Grace & Abide with me.

St Wilfrid's CofE School choir added a Snow Patrol song, "Run"...

"To think I might not see those eyes, Makes it so hard not to cry, And as we say our long goodbye, I nearly do..."

Christine & Rex sat behind, I had Mark, Eileen & Derek on my row. The Collection was for NSPCC, RSPCA & RNLI all very practical & straightforward charities.

At the end a poem entitled "Knocking at your Door" by Rebecca.

"Invite him in & let him be seated, as he has much to say.

Always wise & honest, he knows the answer to every question"

It concluded:- "Peter is knocking at the door, take good care of him.

He is ready to come in".

We filed out into Spring sunshine, some went to Pleasington, then to Blackburn Golf Club.

All done in 45 minutes, with dignity not over ceremonious.

Been to a few funerals over last few months...

How are they at their best? Is it what people do or say, who's there, the music?

Please reflect on those things & share with us.