Funeral of Chris Holland - 29 August

On 29 August, we danced at the funeral of our member, Chris Holland. 

Chris danced with London Pride from the 1990s and was loved and respected by us all.

The funeral was at St Michael and All Angels where Chris worshipped. The church was packed with his friends, and we heard some of his last words, written while he waited for surgery.

If there is Morris dancing in heaven, the vicar said, Chris would be dancing a jig there now.

During the service, Richard Wyber danced a jig, and we heard Chris's favourite poems.

Eight of us led the congregation to the Blackheath Halls which were quickly alive with conversation,

Along with a keen mind, one of Chris's gifts was the ability to make an occasion happen, without having to hog the limelight - and it seemed he'd done this one more time.

We danced on the stage of the recital room while people talked, and Chris's wife Maggie joined us for the traditional farewell dance, Bonnie Green Garters.