Attended the funeral of Jimmy Mayor along with S/M Brian Paynes the Area Standard Bearer today at St Peter's Church in Cleethorpes.A cold windy day but that didn't matter,the cortege came down the main shopping street to the church and hundreds of people stopped to pay their respects.After a mix up with the Police about where the Standards would parade a spot was found near the church and shipmates ,Brian and S/M Ken Scales form the Cleethorpes branch did us all proud as did all the other association Standards.As for ex-service people it was a bit thin on the ground but Cleethorpes RNA branch was represented.Jimmy's regimental chaplain conducted the funeral service along with the local clergy,the guardsmen there were very smart in their full No 1's.The church was so full that some friends of Jimmy's had to stand out side and listern to the service over the PA system,as did many others and listerned to a very moving service which also included the regimental band.

It was a very moving experience and i was proud to represent, along with Brian, No9 Area RNA.When the cortege left the church for the burial service the crowds applauded.

Tomorrow is another sad day,the funeral of another brave soldier,Sgt Matthew Telford is being held in Grimsby and once again S/M Brian Paynes will be representing the Area.

Julian