Meeting with Partners

Paul Harris Fellowship for Past-president Graham Forster.

together with

A report on The Speaker for the Evening.

Past-president of the club, Graham Forster was awarded a well deserved Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of the hard work he has put into the club over the years and especially for the last year when he was not only president but also undertook the task of treasurer.

President Patrick paid tribute to the many ways Graham has been active in the club over the last ten years and joined other members in warmly applauding him.

The Club was also  entertained with a lively and interesting talk by Harry Pope, Funeral  Director, Hotelier, Author and Raconteur.

Harry became involved with Funeral Parlours at the age of 30; initially as a driver but eventually, after several moves, as manager of a company. He regaled us with a variety of tales including an incident when he ended up slipping into a grave during a rain soaked burial and the ceremonial burning of a gypsy caravan at a travellers funeral.

Latterly he was involved with repatriation of the deceased and had many illustrious clients. On one occasion he had police escort from central London to Gatwick airport when conveying the remains of an ambassador. He was involved in several tragedies including the Lockerbie bombing and these involved long hours and extremely tactful dealing with relative’s and press queries.

Rev Paul Frostick gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the club and commented on one or two of his more unusual funeral experiences.