Just an aside .......

 

Well, for such a man fastidiously concerned with planning - he got that one wrong, bless him ... there were so many folk that turned up at Southend Crematorium South Chapel today that the " venue" was changed at the last minute to the big chapel, which, thankfully was available.

 

The Minister thanked everyone for making it such a good " attendance" - an appropriate choice of sporty word there !  The service kicked off with " Abide With Me " , and the Minister then spoke of David not having any family but, blatantly ,with one of the biggest families imaginable in the football world, shown by the overflowing congregation. His Football Programme business was very much the start of the present day interest in this fascinating hobby and a heartwarming eulogy was read by Ian Hands, a long term colleague and friend from his Programme Fairs.  David's flowers and coffin were decked by a photo of him in his Arsenal Supporters Red and White uniform at the final game held at Highbury and was how we remembered him in the 50's and 60's and so many memories were shared after the service that it was sometime before everyone dispersed.

 

So, a friend, not just of myself but of so many in the football world of 50 plus years moves on but the memories will never fade.

 

Rob Errington