Not a Funeral...

... but a celebration of the life of Paul. I worked with Paul for 14 years, and as well as our work, he and I shared a passion for photography. Paul was one of life's enthusiasts, and today's event was planned by him, in the last months of his life, with his usual gusto. He even made a tape recorded message which was played, in which he gently made fun of himself for being dead, and said goodbye to his many friends. As you can see, his pall bearers were fellow Morris Men, who carried him out with bells on. Taking photos was very much allowed, and indeed encouraged. It's what Paul would have done.

The last time I saw Paul was at another funeral of a colleague. That funeral was also amazing, but about as different from Paul's as you can imagine whilst still being very British. It was held in Exeter Cathedral, and was very formal and "high church", with sacred music, incense, men in long robes and lots of ritual. Paul's had folk music, Morris dancing, beer and lots of humour. Both funerals were very moving, reflecting as they did the character of the people whose lives they celebrated, as well as addressing the same universal themes -- the short season of human life -- albeit in very different ways.

I will refrain from philosophising here about the variation of human experience -- but ain't it fab?

Go well, Paul.