Lance's Funeral, Cromer. August 30th 2024

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I lived in Cromer in Norfolk for 9 years, where I was privileged to be a friend of Lance Beeke, who died on the 10th August this year, aged 84.  Lance was a father and grandfather, an artist, a great laugh, and a thoroughly good chap.  His daughters Tiphanie and Jemma organised the funeral on Friday 30th August, at Cromer's St Peter and St Paul's Church, and it was a perfect tribute to him. 

A few memories here...

2003, Red Lion.  We mostly met up where the drink was

flowing and there was much fun to be had.

2002, I think, at my friend Kathryn's flat,
and below with my cats Francesca and Mimi.

New Year's Eve 2004, with Julia, at my flat in Pier Court.

Cromer pier, August 2019

I last saw Lance in September 2022, when it was clear that he was ailing, and he died peacefully in his sleep.

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Last Friday, Cromer brought the sunshine out especially for him

...and it was, oddly, a lovely day.

Julia, John and me on the way to the church.

The cremation was family only, so we went to the Red Lion in between the service and the wake.  So good to catch up with old friends!

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I had to catch a train at 6.30 am from Newcastle to get there in time, and get the 7pm back as there were no trains on Saturday, so it was a very long day, but I'm so glad I made the effort.  Nice views of the sunrise on the way, anyway!

Durham

Me having not had enough coffee, at 6.30 am on the train to Peterborough

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Lovely to see you Julia, John, Lisa, Lee, Eloise, Gail, Tiphanie, Jemma, Chris, Mark, Richard, and especially Kathryn :)

RIP dear Lance, a fine fellow indeed.