Bramber Castle

We out manoeuvred the fog. We marvelled at the frost clinging to the Cotswold beeches as we drove south over the high ground in our way to West Sussex. We left at 0800 and arrived with 45 minutes to spare before the funeral for a much missed friend at noon.

It was a most moving service planned by A before the cancer finally curtailed her life just over a week ago. Her husband’s eulogy was an inspiration. Her 10 grandchildren’s tribute to their late Grandma was so, so touching. The turnout in the Norman church was large. There was also a large remote congregation participating in the service around the world.

A reception afterwards was held in a hotel in the shadow of Bramber Castle - a Norman motte and bailey construction.

As always on these occasions the one person we all really want to chat with is no longer with us but had she been there she would have been so proud of her whole family’s most loving send off.

Heavy traffic and a long day meant we would break our journey home.

We are staying at a high rise hotel overlooking Southampton’s waterfront this evening.