Barbara Simpson's Funeral

I find it difficult to put down in words just how difficult this day was to The Lost Riders.
Barbara was a friend to so many of us, and the way we lost her is so tragic.
Big John was so proud to see so many of us turn up for her last ride, and I am sure that Barbara herself was riding right there with us all.
We tried so hard to make it all work so well for her,
the second manning, the blocking of junctions, the cavalcade of her friends on bikes, it was planned down to the last detail.
Then we set off, and as usual things happened.
At the first junction, 50 yards from the house, Little Malc and I stopped the traffic, only to find that the big pull off did not happen as we had planned,
and everyone in the cars stopped at the lights.
Sue had got off to pacify the driver at the lights, Malc didn't notice and drove off leaving her in the middle of the road.
Thanks to Paul for picking her up.
When we caught Malc up he was sat there waving his hand over the pillion seat, saying,
"Where's Sue?", still can't believe he did not notice her get off.
At the church, it really was gratifying to see so many people wanting to pay their last respects.
A truly moving service, the sight of Barbara's crash helmet on the coffin was too much for many of the congregation,
and there were many tears shed.
Some members of the family gave readings, and a couple of the younger members read a couple of specially written poems,
really touching, and words so true.
After the service the red eyes amongst us all showed how much we all cared for, and missed Barbara.
Right then, John and six bikes will follow the hearse, we will let the cars pass and then form up the rest of the bikes to make a guard of honour.
It started out ok, then someone told "Last Man", Ken that there was no one else to come,
so they all shot off, leaving the rest of us, some 30 bikes, behind.
Thanks to Paul and Lynne for asking a lady cutting her hedge where the church was, or we may well have stayed "Lost Riders".
Barbara's final resting place is in a really sunny spot, once again thanks to the clergy, truly lovely words, we will remember the day forever.
On to the wake, hope we gave you a good send off Barbara, still cannot believe you are gone.
The way things turned out, I am sure you were watching, too many little mishaps, makes me think you were pulling a few strings,
I hope you were.

Love Terry & Jane