Gerrard

 Gerrard Goodhind died at the age of 65. Gerrard sang bass in the choir of Our Lady of the Angels, Erith, Kent for many years. I knew him through the Catenians as a dear and much loved friend, secretary of Blackheath and Chislehurst circle and outstanding editor of the newsletter for Province 7. He is indeed a great loss to all of us. At his funeral the celebrant was Brother Martin Mikuskiewicz and the church choir lead by Christine Bould and accompanied by Michael King at the organ sang Psalm 84 arranged by Gerrard’s brother David and “The Lord is my shepherd” by Howard Goodall. The hymns were “Lord for tomorrow and its needs”, “On eagle’s wings” ,“My God accept my heart this day”, “O bread of heaven” and “Thine be the glory”. Paul Wellicome, Liz and I sang in the choir.

In the prayers his grandchildren said “Help us all to think... that Grandad is in heaven, singing hymns in the choir, flying aeroplanes and enjoying a John Smiths with the angels”. Gerrard always stayed to listen to the organ voluntary and so it was appropriate that he left the church accompanied by “Nun danket alle Gott” by Sigfrid Karg-Elert. Our prayers are with Pat and Sarah and Claire his daughters and their families.
Thursday to Erith for the funeral - 100 Catenians and their wives there. Lovely mass and nice lunch. Sat with Dover group. Choir did well. Folkestone West have a pipe organ which would be good at Erith so tried to make the connection! Liz thinks that I went to Martin Hall's funeral at Erith.
In the evening to Chez Vous Warlingham for a very fine dinner for Purley 800th. Presented icon despite the noise the ladies were making! Good speech about the circle's history. Most enjoyable. McCarthys and Peter Woodford good company. Home late.