The Address


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Address by Reverend Janet Bromley

Today is a day of sadness for all of us because in Ric we have lost someone we love and respect very much. Ric was a well known figure in our community, a big character and an open hearted man and it has been a great privilege for me to hear from Ellie and others just how much I didn't know about the things and the people for whom he cared passionately during his life. I was also pleased to be asked to choose the bible reading for this service and although the one Skye has just read is not a usual one for funerals - to me it spoke of the man that Ric was.

In some ways I feel that we are kindred spirits and in the same business because both he and I work in the field of hospitality. For Ric it was always important that everyone was welcomed into his pubs - it did not matter how old they were - how important they were or how they dressed - as long as they respected their surroundings and the people in the pub and in the neighbourhood - they were welcome - more than that they were important to him as individuals with stories to tell. As some one who trained for and worked in the hotel and catering industry, I often say that the church is also about hospitality - about being welcoming to all who come, whoever they are, whatever their circumstances or their reason for coming. For pubs and churches have this much in common - they are both places that many would visit in the saddest and in the happiest times of their lives. Hopefully they come a lot in between times too!

Ric was not someone who tried to take the best place - he was someone who was open hearted enough to welcome all visitors to the Old Spot - so now we hope together that he will find his reward in the joy and peace of God's kingdom - for that too is a place of eternal hospitality - made welcome for all who believe that Jesus loves us so much that he gave his life for us - so that we will be able to rise with him to share in God's heavenly banquet when our earthly journey has been completed.

May Ric rest in peace and rise in glory.    Amen

Reverend Janet Bromley



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