Arranging Mum's Funeral (3)

 Arranging Mum's Funeral (3)

The next morning, we were up bright and early for breakfast, then drove into Liverpool, and found the Church in Sheil Road, where we were to meet the Vicar of All Saints. This was not in fact the Church where Mum's funeral will be conducted - that will be the traditional Church of St Mary's at Edge Hill, but it is now part of the new parish of All Saints. 

We met Mike Coates, and had a brief chat, and then we followed him as he showed us the way to St Mary's. This is a very beautiful Church, with a rich history. I found some information on the internet about it - it was originally called St Mary's in the country; the foundation stone was laid on 14 January 1812, and it was opened for divine service on 14 March 1813.  It also said that, until 1812, there was no Anglican Church at Edge Hill; the population was, however, growing rapidly. In 1812, Mr Edward Mason purchased a plot of land to build a church from Bamber Gascoyne Esq. (I do wonder if he is any relation to the former question master on the TV programme, University Challenge?!)

Mike listened patiently whilst we talked about Mum and her life, and then asked us some illuminating questions that made us think of the ways we would describe her. We felt he had taken a great deal of time to get a rounded picture of Mum, so when he talks about her, it will be as someone who knows her and can speak knowledgeably and with great understanding. We also explained about the sadness we have not being able to be in touch with Uncle John, and Mike said he will include a special prayer for him during the service, and the traditional version of The Lord's Prayer.

We also went through the hymns we know Mum wanted, and arranged the order in which they would be sung: Praise My Soul The King of Heaven; All Things Bright and Beautiful; Abide With Me and Bind Us Together. ; we chose Dear Lord and Father of Mankind as the music on arrival, and Wendy suggested O Worship the King for our departure from the Church; for the reading, we asked for 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13, verses 1-13. 

Mike gave us template as a guide for the Order of Service, and Bob can begin to create it; I expect it will run to several pages, as Mike also requested that we print the words of the hymns as well. I think we would have done that anyway, but it is important now, because hymn books are not being handled by the congregation.  

Well, I think Mum will be pleased with all the efforts everyone is making and we shall have a beautiful service for her, and a Thanksgiving for her life. We thanked Mike so much for his patience and advice; and then we set off back to Preston Brook.

On the way, I wanted to go back to FlowerBug, and order some flowers for Mum, on behalf of Uncle John. Gina was so pleased to see us, and we chose another little posy; there was a card printed with "Dear Sister" and Gina gave me a couple of those, for me to write for Uncle John. 

Two more jobs, and then I was done: we found an HSBC bank where I could pay a bill, and a Post Office, where I got a letter weighed and posted. After that, it was back to the Hotel; we had already checked out, of course, but we went to the Beefeater, and had a lovely dinner, before turning the bonnet of the car south, and heading back home. 

It had been 36 strenuous hours, but what a lot we had achieved! Apart from producing the Order of Service, I also need to find a nice restaurant where we can have something to eat after the Funeral. As the funeral is at 12.00 noon, and the interment at Kirkdale will be at about 1.00 p.m. - or perhaps a little later, depending on how long the Church service lasts, I think we will not be away from the cemetery until about 2.00 p.m., after which we will be driven back to Cravens in Broadgreen, to pick up our cars. As this is too late for lunch, and too early for dinner, we feel a full cream tea - with champagne if possible! - will fit the bill, and we will need to book tables for about 3.00 p.m. 

That is another task for another day; there is still a lot to do, as I also want to place an announcement in the Daily Telegraph and I know Cravens will be putting something in the Liverpool Echo. I also have a very strong feeling I should get in touch with the Liverpool Echo, and tell them about Mum, and see if they are interested in running a story about her. I am listening to my instincts.