Storyteller's World

Rosemary's funeral today in St Nicholas church, Marston, where she worshipped for the last 10 years, was attended by a packed church of family, friends and former students and colleagues. Reflections on Rosemary were given by her niece Claire and one of her great-nieces, Annie. Another great-niece, Hester, played a Chopin Etude.

Following the commendation at the end of the service, I read Bunyan's account of the passing of Mr Valiant-for-Truth: a fitting reading for saying goodbye to Rosemary, too.

After this, it was noised abroad that Mr Valiant-for-Truth was taken with a summons by the same post as the other; and had this for a token that the summons was true, That his pitcher was broken at the fountain. When he understood it, he called for his friends, and told them of it. Then, said he, I am going to my Father's; and though with great difficulty I am got hither, yet now I do not repent me of all the trouble I have been at to arrive where I am. My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it. My marks and scars I carry with me, to be a witness for me, that I have fought his battles who now will be my rewarder. When the day that he must go hence was come, many accompanied him to the river side, into which as he went down he said, Death, where is thy sting? And as he went down deeper, he said, Grave, where is thy victory? So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side.

The obituary in The Independent today was late appearing, but adds a good perspective from New Hall, having been written by the librarian there.