Frank Lane Funeral
Tuesday 23rd April turned out to be a fine day
just like the weather for the Easter Monday pilgrimages to St Albans Cathedral
which was a favourite event at the Abbey of Frank’s. Around 30 Vergers from the
St Albans Branch and others from across the country, turned up at the Abbey for
the Requiem Mass at 2pm. The Vergers had been invited to robe and provide an
Honour Guard for him as he arrived and departed from the Abbey. We duly robed
in the Lady Chapel, the funeral itself had been moved to the Quire, Crossing
and Presbytery due to the large numbers expected. Typically for the Church of
England, we were told just before the service what was going to happen. We
lined up in rank two by two and then led out of the Pilgrim door on the North
side of the Cathedral, splitting each way from the door to form the guard as
the coffin arrived in the hearse. When Frank had arrived the vergers in ranks
of two, led the coffin in. We waited by the North Transcept whilst the Clergy
and the coffin were led in. We led off as the first hymn At the name of Jesus was
sung with Janet Lindsay a very old and dear friend of Frank, and a St Albans
Branch Member leading the way carrying the Guild’s Millenniums Verge which
Chris Crooks had brought with him. Chris was also our Verger keeping us in
order. We proceeded into the crossing and up into the Presbytery, peeling off
before the High Altar and into our places on either side of the Presbytery
behind Lynda’s family. Once Frank’s coffin was in place before the High Altar symbols
of his life were placed on his coffin, his Virge, a clown hat(actually a
jester’s hat) and a clown puppet. The clown hat and puppet symbolised him as a
character and person but also the fact that he was a member of Holy Fools
amongst many of the organisations he belonged to. Readings were read by members
of his family and a very moving tribute was given by his daughter. Points that
I remember included
Frank’s life was very full, he did his National Service in
the Navy, and met and married Lynda. He worked at various jobs in London and
Welwyn Garden City before coming to St Albans Cathedral in 1967. After retiring
as Head Verger from the Abbey after around 35 years of service he then worked
at Morrisons for 3 days a week right up until his last illness. He married Lynda in April 1948 and they
recently celebrated their 65th Wedding anniversary whilst he was
ill. But he still chose the flowers and card for Lynda. Together Lynda and
Frank had 3 children of their own and also a foster son. Although their first child,
a daughter, died soon after birth and this led them to life long association
with the Children’s Society.
The Sermon was preached by Canon Richard Watson who also had
comments and tributes to Frank amongst his words. Then Communion was taken by
all. There were somewhere in the region of 500 in the congregation including
senior clergy and people from all walks of life whose paths had crossed Franks
who took communion. Many clergy appeared as ordinary folk just wanting to pay
their respects. As Frank's grandson said “once met never forgotten.” The Revd. Canon Richard Watson remembered his
first time he met Frank and recounted a typically amusing tale of Frank
removing a heckler from the Abbey at the retirement of a Bishop.
At the end of the Service the vergers once again formed two
ranks to proceed the coffin out the way we had come in and then on outside
towards the west end of the Cathedral where we stood each side of the path in
the sunshine. The vergers of the Abbey led the hearse on its final journey from
the Abbey, the family following behind, which was applauded as it went on his
way.
There was a retiring collection in support of the Cathedral
and the Children’s Society Donations may also be made C/o Phillips Funeral
Services,68 Alma Road, St Albans AL1 3 BL ( 01727 851006)
