Hovis' Funeral - what a turn out!!

[Jabba]

I'm almost certainly the first home after the event.

There was a fantastic turn out at the funeral, both of Hovis' friends from the site and from other clubs. Eglwysilan churchyard was full of people who couldn't get into the church itself and they had to use both chapels at the Crem.

Hovis had the best send off I personally have ever seen, and chatting in the pub afterwards about him and his antics made it clear he will never be forgotten.

Good to see so many old friends there. Shame about the circumstances.

RIP Hovis.

[mike_avfc]

hear hear, was a truly well attended service. was a nice touch to let us into the crematorium and watch it on the big screen.

[the white rabbit]

Yes, a very sad day but he clearly was rich in friends. I wonder if he ever knew how much. RIP.

Edit, and great that so many came from so far as well.

Edit edit, I regret that I didn't get to say hello to people especially people I recognised but never spoken to, but I don't think it was a very easy day to do that. Oh well.

[Rich]

A very sad day indeed, but what a turn out and what a setting. The pub next to the church would have been the first thing on Hovis' list, then the fields of sheep surrounding it lol. I was touched by how many people made the effort to be there and when Hovis' Mum arrived I don't think she could take it all in bless her.

A fitting send off for such a great guy!

RIP Hovis

[fizzwheel]

Been home a little while.

Sunk in a little more when I was in the car on my own on the way home.

Was a fantastic turnout we sure did him proud.

[metalangel]

Yeah, was an amazing turnout, I got there pretty early (the WRC bunch had only just arrived) and within 20 minutes the entire pub lot was absolutely packed solid with cars and bikes, and an army of SVs.

Sorry did not meet some of you under better circumstances but good to see you all the same, I think Cymraeg Atodeg and I were the last bikers left at the pub. We were sat with two infamous characters from SBW and a friend of Hovis' family came over and asked them about the crash, they then left and we went outside to see all the bikes had left (some people did have a long way to go).

[Thingus]

I hope he knew how many friends he had. I'm glad it went well.

[the_lone_wolf]

I had one of the older folks at the church come over while we were all milling around afterwards and she said we'd done him proud, only just managed to stop myself welling up

I think we made a good impression, and the number of people, bikers and non-bikers, that showed up really was impressive:cool:

Still smile when I think of the Rev calling him "Hovis":)

[caz650s]

What a day ...

Full of different emotions ...

Really glad I made the journey to join my fellow orgers/friends in paying our last respects to one of the Biggest characters on the forum

R.I.P David [Hovis] I am really going to miss You :(

p.s. I bet he had a laugh when I got caught in a rain storm for the last 50 miles of my ride home !!

[lonerider]

Great turn out for Hovis' funeral, It was an honour to meet you and to ride with you.

"So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
and nothing else matters"

RIP Hovis

Andy. WRC.

[Pingu65]

I would just like to say from the Penguins that we were:-


glad we went
pleased by the turnout
glad that the right levels of respect were shown for the family and Hovis
impressed by the journeys that many had made
glad the weather held and even shone down at seemingly apt moments
happy but sad to see so many orgers
The day touched us both and I hope it is a very long time before we meet under these circumstances again.

P.S. Thanks Jabba for open house to people you had never met. Definately shows what a tight knit sociable bunch bikers are.

[Dilligaf]

Was good to see the turnout today, Hovis was well liked indeed. Some people came a very long way to pay their respects, which must have been very comforting for His Mom, to see just how well liked He was.

Got reacquainted with some of you, it was good to see you again, only wish it could have been under happier circumstances - hope you all made it home safe without freezing your nuts off.

Got the feeling Hovis would have been looking down today with a smug grin, probably thinking. ****, I had no idea I was so popular, why has everyone waited until now to let me know? Then, pointing out to His new mates, after spotting someone in the crowd. “See Him! He still owes me a pint from our last camping trip” .

You can ride whatever you like, when you like now Hovis.

[widepants]

love you amd miss you buddy...nuff said

[ManxMatt34]

Really sorry i could not make today, was trying not to think to hard this afternoon at work about it, kept meself busy. But was hard not to loose my concentration. Glad it sounds like he had the send off deserved. Hope everyone got back safe. Take care matt.

[fizzwheel]

Does anybody have a copy of the order of service from today that they could scan and send me ?

I'd like to get a copy of it if possible.

Thanks

Fizz

[the white rabbit]

Does anybody have a copy of the order of service from today that they could scan and send me ?
I'd like to get a copy of it if possible.
Thanks
Fizz

I was going to ask the same thing.

[Pingu65]

We spoke to GruntyGiggles and was fairley sure she could get one and scan in for the org.

Then either posted or emailed to thos who want it.

[MrsT]

It truely was amazing to see how many lives Hovis touched. Today was very emotional but we certainly did give him the send off he deserved.
Will always remember you Hovie - Many memories from the few times we spent getting to know you - wish there had been more.:(
(mini dunsters were there to say farewell too - Kate and I knew you liked the pressie on your birthday and we knew you took him with you on your rides)
I have to say the rainbow was certainly fitting xx
Hope everyone got back home safely xxx

[Viney]

Im just sorry i couldnt make it. If i was in better health, i would have been there for sure.

[Luckypants]

A truly fitting send off to the bread boy! Was great at the ROAB place afterwards to meet some of his school friends, work colleagues and bike mates. Everyone had a story about hovis! :D

RIP my friend, I'm glad we saw you off in fine style.

[missyburd]

Very emotional day but I felt honoured to attend today and honoured to be a member of this site. The weather was beautiful if a little on the nippy side and the funeral service couldn't have been held in a lovelier spot, in the hills with the sheep :)

It was lovely to meet old and new faces as always, I just wish it hadn't been under those circumstances.

And I never thought I would hear a vicar utter the word Metallica in a funeral ceremony, Hovis would have been so proud :D

p.s. i too would like a copy of the service sheet, thankyou to whoever provides it in advance xx

P.S. Thanks Jabba for open house to people you had never met. Definately shows what a tight knit sociable bunch bikers are.
+1 and you make a fine brew :-)

[dizzyblonde]

I've just got home. Quedos is still on her way back to Scotland.
I can't put into words what the day has been like.

I will say, I don't sing hymns, but I did sing the words to Nothing Else Matters in the crematorium.

We all pulled together so well, it was a truely great send off, from all corners of the Country present.

yes and I would like a copy too. Thanks

[pmapp]

I was glad I made the trip down, it really was a corker of a send off.

[SoulKiss]

Got home about an hour ago.

Glad I made it along, got to meet some new people, put faces to names, and say goodbye to one.

It wasn't until they were carrying him into the church that it sunk in, then standing in the churchyard, with everyone, all feeling the loss.

Then slowly, as the day went on, the smiles started to appear on peoples faces, as they remembered the good times, and put the bad to the back of their minds.

[Binky]

Been back about an hour now, after a staggered journey back to Notts.

Really glad i came down, even after waking up nearly two hours late. :)

Was amazed to see so many people there and i think whenever i hear Nothing Else Matters again, i'll always think of good memories.

Hope everyone got back safe and sound.

[lily]

Hi all just left Cheryl & Dan's.

Today has been well today. We went back to his mums after the wake and she and the family where amazed at the turn out and the amount of peoples lifes that hovis touched that people had made the jouneys they did to be there.

In terms of the order of service drew had already asked and is being sent some as well as by email.

[Quiff Wichard]

Well I would have ridden twice as far if needed to be there.

Truly a proud and emotional day

I saw and felt the sun pop out really bright outside the church at a very apt moment, missed the rainbow though. . awww

I counted 87 people come out of the church and 120 outside.. then there were many on the car park too..

I have never seen so many folk at a funeral.

Org - you did him proud.

The distances you travelled- the respect you showed, we really were one goup today - representing. and representing the whole country .. the areas that folk came from really did cover the whole of the UK. ( and a thought for Quedos still traveling home)

The handshakes, the cuddles - and I mean male to male too.. all with feeling

Was a day to be proud of , and a day to make Hovis proud too.. we discussed at the Crem the oddity of funerals that you ar enot here to see how many folk turn out, just how popular you are and what folk think of you - well, he wouldnt have been disappointed that's for sure.


Touching moment for me was on the way in we got seperated from the bikes and made out own way to chapel and by chance went past his house- not knowing where he lived, with the hearse outside and the mourners, was a shock but also "our" moment.

Then on the way home we passed his home again and his car was there outside, complete with HOVIS reg plate. H0 V15 or similar- there was a pic of his car on here a year or so ago.. it was hard seing that.

and the guy who came to us at the wake and said he was one of Hovis' oldest mates an seeing us all arrive from all over the country really choked him..

Home now- raising a glass , with a tired body and a warm heart.

[xXBADGERXx]

Glad to have met some of you today , got a neat story off one of Hovis` best mates , the one about his car Reg :) . Some old lady chatted to me outside as I was getting ready I thought I was all cried out and had stopped my snivelling until she said to me "I`m a widower just like Dave`s mam , she said to me once , `I may have lost my husband but I`ve always got Dave`" ............................. I had to go for another walk and rip open another packet of pocket hankies

[Jabba]

+1 and you make a fine brew :-)

I'm from the North....... it's in the genes. Yorkshire Tea - best thing from that side of the Pennines ;-)

Good to have a met you & Chris :thumbsup:

[missyburd]

and the guy who came to us at the wake and said he was one of Hovis' oldest mates an seeing us all arrive from all over the country really choked him..



It was a shame we missed the wake, it would have been lovely to meet other friends and family of the breadman. Am sure the .org representation there did a sterling job of doing just that :-)

[dizzyblonde]

On leaving Wales....and I kid you not, a giant rainbow rose up and over both carriageways. You could see both ends and it was crystal clear for the four of us to see.

I think Hovis was smiling at us. :-)

[DarrenSV650S]

Well done everyone

RIP hovis

[squirrel_hunter]

I think todays turn out shows just how many people considered him a friend and how much he will be missed.

I spoke to his Mum and thanked her her for allowing us to come to the funeral as bikers and pay our respects to him as we knew him. The attendance today made for a for a fine example of the community we have. I really think we did him proud.

[Cazza]

A very moving day... and a good send-off methinks. I hope the sheer number of people who were there will be of some small comfort to those who knew and loved him best.

As others have said - good to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones; such a shame about the circumstances.

[Drew Carey]

Hiya All

Me, Lily & Girth all back at ours now.

Firstly - The service sheets. As soon as I have them I will get it sorted.

As for today, it has been a massive roller coaster for me personally and was a brilliant day of support, love, memories, thoughts and of course tears of remembrance. His mum, as Lily has mentioned was stunned at the support and caring that we all showed by being there. It turns out that his family actually knew very little of his biking friends as he knew that his Mum wasn't happy that he rode bikes all day every day, so didn't like to recount the tales to his mum every time he got home (plus more often than not he couldn't remember it!!!! lol).

Joyce was especially touched to hear of those who came from far afield, it really did mean a lot to her. The family have also said they would be honoured if they could pop along to the AR next year to see everyone, again something that would make me personally proud and I imagine everyone here to.

I don't think the day could have been any better. It was the perfect day to remember our friend and the org did him and everyone proud. I'm off to sleep now as I'm an emotional wreck. But one last personal thank you from me to everyone that gave me a cuddle, said hello and helped me get through today in one piece. THANK YOU.:kiss:

[Viper]

Mr and Mrs Viper have been home about an hour.:thumleft:

I was very saddened by the occasion today and found it very hard at times to keep it together.

I would just like to big up all that attended from the Org as we definatly did him proud. His mom was very touched by our presence.

I know that there are many that could not attend but would have liked to and beleive me Mama Hovis knows how much we all thought of Hovis and has been shown many posts from this site and has been heartend by the comments.

It was great to see faces old and new. Ride safe all of you

[Zombie Jesus]

A fitting farewell I think. Also well done to the people who came from afar.

[Bri w]

Huge thanks to all that attended, and represented the .org. I wish i'd been there for all sorts of reasons.

Hovis' day. - 'nough said.

[Quedos]

On leaving Wales....and I kid you not, a giant rainbow rose up and over both carriageways. You could see both ends and it was crystal clear for the four of us to see.

I think Hovis was smiling at us. :-)

you thought the same as me then!

got back 11.30 cold but dry last night sorry to tired to post!

itw an 862 mile round journey and i would do it again if needed. I'm sorry i didn't get to speak to everyone i was a bit preoccupied with the journey home.
Good to see the turnout and how everyone pulled together and mixed afterwards. I think that Hovis appreciated it.

As for the crem i couldn't go in but also sang every word to metallica.

so hopefully see you all at the AR or the GM3 if you making the journey up. :)

[Wideboy]

A fitting tribute and send off for hovis, you will be missed :(

[Kate Moss]

I was home by 8pm last night and Phil made it to London.

Both exhausted from the emotional day and today I feel subdeude but comforted at the fact that so many people loved Hovis, and I only hope he knows that.

We too saw the Rainbow and Quiff, I too noticed the sun break through for a moment at the church, was poigniant indeed.

Dunster 1 and 2 brought comfort to me as it was a reminder of the laughs we had at Porlock and how he was chuffed with his decorated tent and his very own Dunster sheep!

Much love to all and thanks for the hugs!

[ejohnh]

Hi, reading these posts has got me full up again. Damn lump in my throat wont go.

It was a fantastic turnout by the Org yesterday. I think most of us from the WRC and SBW clubs were astounded that so many had travelled such long distances to be there.

Special thanks to Drew for his assistance to us all during this sad time.

Someone said that they didn't think Hovis knew how much he was liked; He certainly does now.

John

[Speedy Claire]

Like many others I`d also like to say that I felt so proud to be part of the org yesterday. The number of bikes there (I believe there was around 130) was testament to Hovis`s popularity and the respect that so many people hold for him.

I couldn`t believe the sheer volume of people, not just bikers but obviously Hovis`s family and friends from other areas of his life... it was truly staggering!

My heart went out to Mrs Furness... she just looked so bewildered and lost and I hope that in time she gets great comfort from yesterday`s service and from seeing so many of his friends arrive to pay tribute. I`m sure that the locals will never let her forget "the day they buried Hovis and the place came to a standstill due to the sheer volume of traffic".

Hovis wherever you are I`m sure you`re smiling and just as amazed as everyone else at the turnout. I`d also like to mention at this point that we all know you were often quite vocal when it came to the female members and often insisted that the "thread was useless without pics"!!! Last night it suddenly struck me that now you`re "up there" you possibly have the powers of being able to look down on us all and see what we`re all up to. I`d respectfully like to ask you to spare the female orger`s blushes and when it comes to shower/bath/bed time please be gentlemanly enough to close your eyes and not be tempted to peep!!! :kiss:

[staceylew01]

I had planned to attend, but unfortunatly due to work circumstances i was unable to. Really glad that everything went well, and so many turned up to give him a good send off. RIP Hovis.

[phil24_7]

Does anybody have a copy of the order of service from today that they could scan and send me ?

I'd like to get a copy of it if possible.

Thanks

Fizz

+1

[phil24_7]

Speedy - Who are you kidding? Course he's gonna peak! lol

[TC3]

I think it is fantastic how all those who were able to attend were able to give Hovis's family and friends emotional support. It must of really made everyone proud and all i can say is well done to all of you who went to say goodbye.

[davepreston]

well im home somehow after the bike off doom made it there and back on divine (hovis) intervention , a fitting tribute to a great man and friend, a 100 person honnor guard ,i think he would have liked that, to those i spoke too ,thankyou , to those i didnt sorry
and to hovis thanks for the memories

[-Ralph-]

Great to hear the funeral was a good send off.

Just got the wife a new laptop and copying over her MP3 collection. The copy failed and this was the song it stopped on. George Michael - You have been loved. I didn't really know Hovis, but loss of a son is tragic for any mother and this made me think of Hovis' mum for some reason. I dare say it will make some of you cry so don't click on the link if you don't want to hear it

http://www.goear.com/files/sst3/d3c681d36e80756d8e1d5255d9ede3cf.mp3

The song seems very negative, a mother loosing faith after the loss of her son, there is even a reference to the mother being terrified of something, her perception of the motorbike perhaps, and the reference to winning battles is uncanny in Hovis' case, but there are a few lyrics in bold, in my interpretation, meant to have been said by the son to the mother, which lift the tone.

She takes the back road and the lane
Past the school that has not changed
In all this time
She thinks of when the boy was young
All the battles she had won
Just to give him life

That man
She loved that man
For all his life
But now we meet to bring him flowers
And only God knows why

For what's the use in pressing palms
When children fade in a mother's arms

It's a cruel world
We've so much to loose
And what we have to learn we rarely choose

So if it's God who took her son
He cannot be the one living in her mind

Take care my love, she said
Don't think that God is dead
Take care my love, she said

You have been loved

If I was weak, forgive me
But I was terrified

You brushed my eyes with angels wings, full of love
The kind that makes devils cry
So these days
My life has changed
And I'll be fine

But she just sits and counts the hours
Searching for her crime

So what's the use of pressing palms
If you won't keep such love from harm

It's a cruel world
You've so much to prove
And heaven helps the ones who wait for you

Well I've no daughters, I've no sons
Guess I'm the only one
Living in my life

Take care my love, he said
Don't think that God is dead
Take care my love, he said

You have been loved

[kcowgergmm]

what happened i haven't been on the board in a while.

Best of wishes see you in the after life Hovis

It always gives a sinking feeling in my stomach when i here about this kind of thing

do you think he is riding a golden sv in heaven?

[Luckypants]

do you think he is riding a golden sv in heaven?

No, whatever he's riding, it'll be banana yellow! :cool:

[Speedy Claire]

Great to hear the funeral was a good send off.

Just got the wife a new laptop and copying over her MP3 collection. The copy failed and this was the song it stopped on. George Michael - You have been loved. I didn't really know Hovis, but loss of a son is tragic for any mother and this made me think of Hovis' mum for some reason. I dare say it will make some of you cry so don't click on the link if you don't want to hear it

http://www.goear.com/files/sst3/d3c681d36e80756d8e1d5255d9ede3cf.mp3

The song seems very negative, a mother loosing faith after the loss of her son, there is even a reference to the mother being terrified of something, her perception of the motorbike perhaps, and the reference to winning battles is uncanny in Hovis' case, but there are a few lyrics in bold, in my interpretation, meant to have been said by the son to the mother, which lift the tone.

She takes the back road and the lane
Past the school that has not changed
In all this time
She thinks of when the boy was young
All the battles she had won
Just to give him life

That man
She loved that man
For all his life
But now we meet to bring him flowers
And only God knows why

For what's the use in pressing palms
When children fade in a mother's arms

It's a cruel world
We've so much to loose
And what we have to learn we rarely choose

So if it's God who took her son
He cannot be the one living in her mind

Take care my love, she said
Don't think that God is dead
Take care my love, she said

You have been loved

If I was weak, forgive me
But I was terrified

You brushed my eyes with angels wings, full of love
The kind that makes devils cry
So these days
My life has changed
And I'll be fine

But she just sits and counts the hours
Searching for her crime

So what's the use of pressing palms
If you won't keep such love from harm

It's a cruel world
You've so much to prove
And heaven helps the ones who wait for you

Well I've no daughters, I've no sons
Guess I'm the only one
Living in my life

Take care my love, he said
Don't think that God is dead
Take care my love, he said

You have been loved


A beautiful song with equally beautiful lyrics and very apt. Now I`m gonna have to pour an extremely large gin and tonic as having lost a son myself i`m now crying buckets just listening to it.

The words about the school... for the first few years I used to walk past my local school and think "thats the school Matthew should be in".

I`m glad you found it tho Ralph and thanks for sharing.