On Thursday 20th August we said farewell to Bri at Lodge Hill Crem in Birmingham. Brian Killner had been living in this area since he moved up from Surrey in 1981. A few folk couldn't attend on the day and sent apologies, and this post is intended primarily for them - although please keep reading as there is an important announcement at the end!
There was a good crowd to see Bri - "The Man with the Braces" - on his way and to celebrate his life. I know the family members were almost overwhelmed to see all the folk who turned up to honour him. Bri's sister, Brenda and husband Frank, niece Donna and nephew, John, thank each and every one of you .
And there were some long distance travellers like Grant Melrose from Chorley, and Ed & Kate Thompson from those badlands on the Welsh Border. Lyndsey from the Old Joint Stock was actually on holiday in Weymouth, but travelled back for the day which was a superb tribute.
Anyone who knew Bri will remember his great bond with Blind Phil and how much he helped Phil over many years. It was so good to see Blind Phil's son who, with his wife, travelled up from Kent. As Young Phil told me, "there was no way I was going to miss this", and he insisted in helping the pall bearers take Bri into the chapel. He would have loved that.
Logistically, everything worked very well thanks to the efforts of Dani and Grace from the Central Co-Op, Maypole, and civil celebrant, Joan. xxx
.jpg)
The "first half" concluded with a splendid reading of Stanley Holloway's "Brahn Boots" by Dave Hackney.
The intention on the day really was to note the joy that Bri brought into the lives of so many. The music, and Dave's reading, seemed to perfectly fit the bill.
There was a showing of 25 pictures of Bri on the big screen, and they are shown below the subscription here. A larger reel of pics was shown at the wake.
.jpg)
The wake was held at The Welly, in association with the Old Joint Stock, which kindly provided the buffet. Thanks to Carlton, Michael, Lyndsey and all at the OJS and, of course, to the legendary Nige Barker, Dave Moorhouse, Matt and all at The Welly - with Simon Brabazon as the excellent "Liaison Officer".
Many of us all knew Bri as "Special K" - quite simply because he WAS special. He would also have loved the banner The Welly put up for the wake.
Cheerio old chap, and thanks for everything.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
At the funeral and wake donations were kindly made to a charity close to Bri's heart - The Injured Jockeys Fund. Since Bri was "the Big Cheese" at The Welly's charity Cheese Nights, the event of WEDNESDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER will be held in his honour, and in aid of his chosen charity too.
The funds raised will be added to the funds collected so far and a grand total will be sent to the Injured Jockeys Fund. The final figure will be published after the Cheese Night and so (a) please attend, and (b) please give generously!
The Wellington pub is, of course, in Brum City Centre at 37 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5SN.
LET THEM EAT CHEESE!
Crow Multimedia
iancrowmultimedia@gmail.com
 |
| Covid-era social distancing! |
