The family of Keith Wardle have informed 4BR that they were overwhelmed at the attendance at Keith's funeral.

Over 300 people gathered at St Mary's Church in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, among them, representatives from 15 bands.

Outstanding

The Thoresby Colliery Band were outstanding as they played music from Keith’s own 'Millennium Suite', composed for the 2000 millennium pageant celebrations in his home-village of Edwinstowe.

Stan Lippeatt’s thoughtful gesture was for Mark Wardle to conduct Thoresby on this occasion. Along with Ian McCormick, Stan performed Mark’s sensitive duet arrangement of “The Prayer” from Disney’s “Quest for Camelot”, which followed an emotional delivery by Simon Willis of Benjamin Godard's “Berceuse from Jocelyn”, chosen by the family.

Thoughtful, sensitive and sometimes humorous eulogies were delivered by Malcolm Bevan and Stan Lippeatt, to whom the family owe a great debt of thanks4BR

Warm applause

This was Keith’s debut TV performance as a soloist in 1975. The performances were welcomed with warm applause.

Thoughtful, sensitive and sometimes humorous eulogies were delivered by Malcolm Bevan and Stan Lippeatt, to whom the family owe a great debt of thanks.

Stories

Following the burial in Edwinstowe Forest Cemetery, the mourners, bandsmen and women enjoyed each other’s company over refreshments at the Thoresby Social Club.

Celebration

The Wardle family told 4BR: "Many stories and memories were shared between those in attendance; it was indeed mentioned and referred to as something so similar to that of a gathering of the players on contest day! Keith’s funeral was a celebration of his life and gave thanks for all he left us.

Thelma, Eric, Mark, Ben and Joanne wish to thank everyone who attended Keith's funeral, also for the many messages of sympathy received and for donations passed to George and Elsie Cowley for 'The Keith Wardle Memorial' Fund."