Saturday, 7 April 2007
Friday, 6 April 2007
From Barbara Coker - long-standing friend
This was the eulogy presented at Peta Pare's funeral service at St Laurence's Church, Stroud, Gloucestershire on Tuesday 8th August 2006.
PETA PARE - Friend Extraordinary, Mother Devoted, Adventurer Undaunted
Peta was always looking forward - no lover she of surprises, Peta felt cheated of the joy of looking forward if she could not know in advance of some pleasure awaiting her, whether a trip out for a day, or a visit to be made to her by one of her family or many friends in whom she so delighted, going to a concert featuring one or another ‘Old Chorister’ or a greater project to include her such as a holiday: the pleasure was enriched by the anticipation.
Even just before Peta’s final short illness, she was lining up the adventures: an invitation to Glyndebourne where Mark Elder is conducting Fidelio - Mark a very dear friend of Peta and Canterbury Old Chorister; then there was another invitation, to go round the gardens at Highgrove, also scheduled for July, and then in August there were plans afoot to make a return trip to Cornwall. None of these could come about, as things turned out, but just the looking forward and the thinking about the practicalities brought Peta pleasure and she would talk of them frequently.
In Peta’s philosophy, anticipation is part of joy - and for sure that includes her anticipation of the Joy of Heaven, itself a normal and natural part of her conversation.
Our tears must be for ourselves, to aid our grief which is itself a means of healing: but the tears are no longer properly for Peta. She is rooted in the Resurrection Faith and has passed through her death well prepared for the Resurrection Life.
To look briefly through the long life lived so well, Peta was through and through a CARER. Passionate to become a nurse, she found herself as a new recruit even before her formal training got under way, left in charge of a ward in Tetbury Hospital over night, while still herself a teenager not yet nineteen. Many of the skills and great care which Peta received so brilliantly in Cirencester Hospital through those final three weeks, she herself had begun so young to learn and to give instinctively, with insight to their importance.
Peta was proud of her rigorous training received at the Bristol Royal Infirmary; ever afterwards she was happy to extol the virtue of the “BRI” traditions. She became Theatre Sister there, but was keen to get into the real homes of patients - she became a District Nurse & Midwife, first in Bristol during the dark days of the Second World War, then in 1945 moved to Cornwall where as ‘Nurse Parson’ her reputation even to this day is legendary. That deep and tender devotion both to professionalism and personal caring marked Peta’s nursing as it did everything she undertook.
The very place in Cornwall where Peta arrived in late Spring 1945, St Blazey and Par, was the selfsame spot that just two months earlier Clive Pare had left: already then the Headmaster of the Canterbury Cathedral Choir School, Clive had spent five years in St Blazey with the choristers who otherwise would have been boarders in the Choir School, maintaining a full cathedral discipline and singing Evensong daily in St Blazey Parish Church, as it would have been rendered in the Cathedral - the plan was to have the Cathedral’s choir ready any day the War ended, to return to duties at once in Canterbury! A stained glass window in the nearby Par church commemorates that mammoth effort.
To this extraordinary legend, Peta walked in as if through a Narnian wardrobe into a surreal world. Canterbury Cathedral’s choir and Clive Pare had made a great impact on St Blazey and were soon to impact hugely upon her.
Largely with the help of Peta’s cousin, whose three sons in succession each were Canterbury Choristers (and who all are with us today), Peta met the legendary Clive. Peta and Clive were married by Archbishop Geoffrey Fisher in Canterbury Cathedral on 30th December 1954.
Nurse Parson became instead the headmaster’s wife and matron of the Choir School, where ‘Mrs Pare’ was elided to the familiar and popular ‘Spare’.
Clive and Peta have two sons, Tim and Chris: and I do not remember a single day when both of you, Tim and Chris, were not upon your mother’s lips - she adores you both and was immensely proud of all you accomplish. Be sure her prayer and love will always embrace you.
So as wife, house matron, mother and friend, Peta is associated with fun, knowing how to enjoy life, and how to lead others to live life to the full. Perhaps two of her proudest moments can serve to highlight this. Through the final year spent in Canterbury before their move to Gloucester, Clive Pare served as Mayor of Canterbury - making Peta Mayoress. She threw herself into that with enthusiasm and energy, including the setting up of a charity shop to respond to an appeal for help at a time of African famine, raising a large sum in double-quick time; and the crowning joy of that Mayoral Year was the Visit to Canterbury City by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. A photograph taken at the crucial moment preserves Peta forever in a deep curtsey to Her Majesty as Clive looks on with full mayoral regalia.
Then in 1963 Clive was appointed Residentiary Canon of Gloucester Cathedral; a new era began for the Pare family. Living again in the lee of a great cathedral, Peta shared the life of this cathedral with characteristic energy - one of her legacies is the continuing band of people who welcome visitors to Gloucester Cathedral, a venture which has its roots in her inspiration. The second proud moment for us to ponder was just three year ago when Her Majesty the Queen came to distribute the Maundy Money in Gloucester Cathedral. Peta was honoured by the cathedral as one of their chosen recipients, in recognition of her former committed service there.
Peta’s husband and Tim & Chris’s father, Clive, died very suddenly in July 1973. Peta has lived out these remaining thirty-three years of her life with an undaunted enthusiasm and seemingly unabated yearning for the next adventure, and the next. Almost 30 of those years have been here in Stroud, and here she has contributed as wholeheartedly as ever to the life of the Church and us all.
One of the greatest tributes which can be paid to Peta is the fact that innumerable Old Choristers of Canterbury, who would have met her in their young childhood, have sustained lifelong serious friendships with this remarkable wife of their exceptional headmaster. Peta held each one in real affection and continued all her days to follow their lives and frequently great musical achievements, loving to attend concerts of Mark Elder now with the Halle or Harry Christophers & The Sixteen, or featuring Roger Vignoles or Stephen Varcoe, to name but some.
Tim and Chris recall especially the undaunted nature of their dear mother. Clive would say in any crisis: “Well, we must moisten the lips and start again.” That is an attitude which became Peta’s motto for Life, and which I can tell you, both Tim and Chris do live by.
Adventure and zest for life will remain the abiding memory of Peta, and her capacity to draw people in as friends and show them gently how to grasp Life with both hands will be her legacy to many. Across Gloucester, Stroud, Canterbury, & Cornwall and beyond, there are those of us who have had our own lives enriched immeasurably by our knowing Peta.
Whether caravanning and camping across Europe, going on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, cruising up into the Arctic just weeks after surgery, or enjoying wonderful fun in Cornwall on innumerable holidays there; whether catching up with friends the length and breadth of England or welcoming them into her home, Peta always gave and received to the full.
Now we shall listen to the first of her chosen readings for today, which will be read by a Canterbury Old Chorister who typically became a great friend of Peta and who has just retired as Headmaster of Malvern College. The reading is the very last page of the very last book in the Narnia Tales of C S Lewis, himself a past pupil of Malvern. In truth, its choice by Peta for this day of her funeral speaks volumes.
PETA PARE - Friend Extraordinary, Mother Devoted, Adventurer Undaunted
Peta was always looking forward - no lover she of surprises, Peta felt cheated of the joy of looking forward if she could not know in advance of some pleasure awaiting her, whether a trip out for a day, or a visit to be made to her by one of her family or many friends in whom she so delighted, going to a concert featuring one or another ‘Old Chorister’ or a greater project to include her such as a holiday: the pleasure was enriched by the anticipation.
Even just before Peta’s final short illness, she was lining up the adventures: an invitation to Glyndebourne where Mark Elder is conducting Fidelio - Mark a very dear friend of Peta and Canterbury Old Chorister; then there was another invitation, to go round the gardens at Highgrove, also scheduled for July, and then in August there were plans afoot to make a return trip to Cornwall. None of these could come about, as things turned out, but just the looking forward and the thinking about the practicalities brought Peta pleasure and she would talk of them frequently.
In Peta’s philosophy, anticipation is part of joy - and for sure that includes her anticipation of the Joy of Heaven, itself a normal and natural part of her conversation.
Our tears must be for ourselves, to aid our grief which is itself a means of healing: but the tears are no longer properly for Peta. She is rooted in the Resurrection Faith and has passed through her death well prepared for the Resurrection Life.
To look briefly through the long life lived so well, Peta was through and through a CARER. Passionate to become a nurse, she found herself as a new recruit even before her formal training got under way, left in charge of a ward in Tetbury Hospital over night, while still herself a teenager not yet nineteen. Many of the skills and great care which Peta received so brilliantly in Cirencester Hospital through those final three weeks, she herself had begun so young to learn and to give instinctively, with insight to their importance.
Peta was proud of her rigorous training received at the Bristol Royal Infirmary; ever afterwards she was happy to extol the virtue of the “BRI” traditions. She became Theatre Sister there, but was keen to get into the real homes of patients - she became a District Nurse & Midwife, first in Bristol during the dark days of the Second World War, then in 1945 moved to Cornwall where as ‘Nurse Parson’ her reputation even to this day is legendary. That deep and tender devotion both to professionalism and personal caring marked Peta’s nursing as it did everything she undertook.
The very place in Cornwall where Peta arrived in late Spring 1945, St Blazey and Par, was the selfsame spot that just two months earlier Clive Pare had left: already then the Headmaster of the Canterbury Cathedral Choir School, Clive had spent five years in St Blazey with the choristers who otherwise would have been boarders in the Choir School, maintaining a full cathedral discipline and singing Evensong daily in St Blazey Parish Church, as it would have been rendered in the Cathedral - the plan was to have the Cathedral’s choir ready any day the War ended, to return to duties at once in Canterbury! A stained glass window in the nearby Par church commemorates that mammoth effort.
To this extraordinary legend, Peta walked in as if through a Narnian wardrobe into a surreal world. Canterbury Cathedral’s choir and Clive Pare had made a great impact on St Blazey and were soon to impact hugely upon her.
Largely with the help of Peta’s cousin, whose three sons in succession each were Canterbury Choristers (and who all are with us today), Peta met the legendary Clive. Peta and Clive were married by Archbishop Geoffrey Fisher in Canterbury Cathedral on 30th December 1954.
Nurse Parson became instead the headmaster’s wife and matron of the Choir School, where ‘Mrs Pare’ was elided to the familiar and popular ‘Spare’.
Clive and Peta have two sons, Tim and Chris: and I do not remember a single day when both of you, Tim and Chris, were not upon your mother’s lips - she adores you both and was immensely proud of all you accomplish. Be sure her prayer and love will always embrace you.
So as wife, house matron, mother and friend, Peta is associated with fun, knowing how to enjoy life, and how to lead others to live life to the full. Perhaps two of her proudest moments can serve to highlight this. Through the final year spent in Canterbury before their move to Gloucester, Clive Pare served as Mayor of Canterbury - making Peta Mayoress. She threw herself into that with enthusiasm and energy, including the setting up of a charity shop to respond to an appeal for help at a time of African famine, raising a large sum in double-quick time; and the crowning joy of that Mayoral Year was the Visit to Canterbury City by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. A photograph taken at the crucial moment preserves Peta forever in a deep curtsey to Her Majesty as Clive looks on with full mayoral regalia.
Then in 1963 Clive was appointed Residentiary Canon of Gloucester Cathedral; a new era began for the Pare family. Living again in the lee of a great cathedral, Peta shared the life of this cathedral with characteristic energy - one of her legacies is the continuing band of people who welcome visitors to Gloucester Cathedral, a venture which has its roots in her inspiration. The second proud moment for us to ponder was just three year ago when Her Majesty the Queen came to distribute the Maundy Money in Gloucester Cathedral. Peta was honoured by the cathedral as one of their chosen recipients, in recognition of her former committed service there.
Peta’s husband and Tim & Chris’s father, Clive, died very suddenly in July 1973. Peta has lived out these remaining thirty-three years of her life with an undaunted enthusiasm and seemingly unabated yearning for the next adventure, and the next. Almost 30 of those years have been here in Stroud, and here she has contributed as wholeheartedly as ever to the life of the Church and us all.
One of the greatest tributes which can be paid to Peta is the fact that innumerable Old Choristers of Canterbury, who would have met her in their young childhood, have sustained lifelong serious friendships with this remarkable wife of their exceptional headmaster. Peta held each one in real affection and continued all her days to follow their lives and frequently great musical achievements, loving to attend concerts of Mark Elder now with the Halle or Harry Christophers & The Sixteen, or featuring Roger Vignoles or Stephen Varcoe, to name but some.
Tim and Chris recall especially the undaunted nature of their dear mother. Clive would say in any crisis: “Well, we must moisten the lips and start again.” That is an attitude which became Peta’s motto for Life, and which I can tell you, both Tim and Chris do live by.
Adventure and zest for life will remain the abiding memory of Peta, and her capacity to draw people in as friends and show them gently how to grasp Life with both hands will be her legacy to many. Across Gloucester, Stroud, Canterbury, & Cornwall and beyond, there are those of us who have had our own lives enriched immeasurably by our knowing Peta.
Whether caravanning and camping across Europe, going on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, cruising up into the Arctic just weeks after surgery, or enjoying wonderful fun in Cornwall on innumerable holidays there; whether catching up with friends the length and breadth of England or welcoming them into her home, Peta always gave and received to the full.
Now we shall listen to the first of her chosen readings for today, which will be read by a Canterbury Old Chorister who typically became a great friend of Peta and who has just retired as Headmaster of Malvern College. The reading is the very last page of the very last book in the Narnia Tales of C S Lewis, himself a past pupil of Malvern. In truth, its choice by Peta for this day of her funeral speaks volumes.
From Tim Pare - Son
Re Mum:
She was born in 1918 in Cape Town moving with her family to the UK at around the age of nine.
Initially they lived near Bath later moving to Tetbury when following schooling Mum trained at the Bristol Royal Infirmary later becoming a senior theatre sister there before moving to Cornwall to work as a district nurse, a position she loved.
The Tetbury years were not easy either in the family context or in having to cope with the tragic loss of her younger brother Bobby at age 18.
I believe that a number of factors at that time were formative in terms of her general ability to cope with most anything that later came her way.
She was a remarkable woman in so many ways & although my own memories of things ‘Choir School’ are sketchy one cannot fail to be aware of the impact that she as part of a devoted team with my father clearly had.
A testament to this being the extent to which all of you still keep in touch, the representation at Mum’s funeral, etc - all of this is exceptional & can be seen as such even by a relative onlooker such as me.
Her ability to cope with the aftermath of Dad’s untimely death, the house moves, the endlessly stretched finances & demands of Chris & me has been second to none.
Chris has had his own share of tragedy to deal with & here again she was selfless in the level of support & love.
A true example of willpower & determination in adversity. Also someone with a real love of adventure, travel, etc.
It was typical of her forethought that she had not only devised her own funeral service but that sometime ago had prepared the most sensitive & thoughtful of letters for Chris & me to help us to deal with a loss she would know to be hard.
The letters reflect her constant support for what we are & do but more importantly her unquestioning faith - something so impressive simply because it was based in no sense on naivety about life’s perils.
In all, therefore, a true carer ................ & also someone who knew how to make a great gin & tonic!
She was born in 1918 in Cape Town moving with her family to the UK at around the age of nine.
Initially they lived near Bath later moving to Tetbury when following schooling Mum trained at the Bristol Royal Infirmary later becoming a senior theatre sister there before moving to Cornwall to work as a district nurse, a position she loved.
The Tetbury years were not easy either in the family context or in having to cope with the tragic loss of her younger brother Bobby at age 18.
I believe that a number of factors at that time were formative in terms of her general ability to cope with most anything that later came her way.
She was a remarkable woman in so many ways & although my own memories of things ‘Choir School’ are sketchy one cannot fail to be aware of the impact that she as part of a devoted team with my father clearly had.
A testament to this being the extent to which all of you still keep in touch, the representation at Mum’s funeral, etc - all of this is exceptional & can be seen as such even by a relative onlooker such as me.
Her ability to cope with the aftermath of Dad’s untimely death, the house moves, the endlessly stretched finances & demands of Chris & me has been second to none.
Chris has had his own share of tragedy to deal with & here again she was selfless in the level of support & love.
A true example of willpower & determination in adversity. Also someone with a real love of adventure, travel, etc.
It was typical of her forethought that she had not only devised her own funeral service but that sometime ago had prepared the most sensitive & thoughtful of letters for Chris & me to help us to deal with a loss she would know to be hard.
The letters reflect her constant support for what we are & do but more importantly her unquestioning faith - something so impressive simply because it was based in no sense on naivety about life’s perils.
In all, therefore, a true carer ................ & also someone who knew how to make a great gin & tonic!
From Andrew Blake - Old chorister
My most abiding memory of Peta, among many happy ones and despite her well recognised nursing skills as our matron, is of her misdiagnosing my appendicitis at the Choir School in 1958.
Having pedalled many laps on my bicycle round The Oaks one evening near the end of my last spring term, I can remember experiencing a nagging pain somewhere near my right groin.
When it was still there the next day I went to tell Peta, whereupon she proceeded to examine me.
After spending a little while feeling around my nether region she said something like: “Well Blake, I can assure you of one thing. It isn’t appendicitis.”
The discomfort gradually eased and I went on holiday, looking forward to bowling in the first eleven cricket team in my final term at the school (joining fiery fast bowler Pettit at the other end).
Sadly, on the day before the end of the hols, as I was boarding a bus I was suddenly doubled up in excruciating pain in the same part of my body and rushed off to hospital.
As you can guess, after some brief tests my grumbling appendix was whipped out and the pain never returned!
However, much to my regret and (I suspect) because of my recent operation, I was never called on to bowl more than a couple of overs in each match that summer.
On a more positive note it was Peta who, when I was confined to the sickroom with mumps, introduced me to the Chronicles of Narnia for which I shall always be grateful.
Having pedalled many laps on my bicycle round The Oaks one evening near the end of my last spring term, I can remember experiencing a nagging pain somewhere near my right groin.
When it was still there the next day I went to tell Peta, whereupon she proceeded to examine me.
After spending a little while feeling around my nether region she said something like: “Well Blake, I can assure you of one thing. It isn’t appendicitis.”
The discomfort gradually eased and I went on holiday, looking forward to bowling in the first eleven cricket team in my final term at the school (joining fiery fast bowler Pettit at the other end).
Sadly, on the day before the end of the hols, as I was boarding a bus I was suddenly doubled up in excruciating pain in the same part of my body and rushed off to hospital.
As you can guess, after some brief tests my grumbling appendix was whipped out and the pain never returned!
However, much to my regret and (I suspect) because of my recent operation, I was never called on to bowl more than a couple of overs in each match that summer.
On a more positive note it was Peta who, when I was confined to the sickroom with mumps, introduced me to the Chronicles of Narnia for which I shall always be grateful.
From Donald Burgess - Old chorister
Dear Tim & Chris,
I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of dear Peta.
I didn't see enough of her, although we kept in touch, and I visited her on two occasions.
She and Clive saw me through Public School, University and married life, so I owe them both a monumental debt of gratitude.
Now they are together and taking their places in heaven where they both certainly belong.
She was a member of the Campaign for the Traditional Choir (I am Membership Sec) and supported us in any way she could.
Sadly I am stuck here in London next Tuesday but I shall have a quiet moment at 11.30 and think of you all and the memorable times I had with Clive and Peta.
My very best wishes
Donald Burgess
I was greatly saddened to hear of the passing of dear Peta.
I didn't see enough of her, although we kept in touch, and I visited her on two occasions.
She and Clive saw me through Public School, University and married life, so I owe them both a monumental debt of gratitude.
Now they are together and taking their places in heaven where they both certainly belong.
She was a member of the Campaign for the Traditional Choir (I am Membership Sec) and supported us in any way she could.
Sadly I am stuck here in London next Tuesday but I shall have a quiet moment at 11.30 and think of you all and the memorable times I had with Clive and Peta.
My very best wishes
Donald Burgess
From Hugh Carson - Old chorister
Dear Chris
First of all, thank you for arranging such a generous buffet reception after Peta’s requiem. We enjoyed meeting your family and many familiar faces - but much lived in now - from Canterbury days.
I’m sorry Penny and I had to return so promptly to our home in the Peak District.
Understandably you and Tim had so many to speak to and each time we tried to make contact you were engrossed with someone else. We didn’t want to barge in but I was sorry afterwards to hear from Barbara Coker that you had missed us.
I apologise - and please, if you are ever in these parts, do come and see us. We are near Wetton, where Peta stayed a year or two ago. Our telephone number is 01 298 84544.
The service itself was very moving and to Penny and me; it all seemed so appropriate.
There was much that was reassuring and happy, indeed uplifting. I hope you were able, despite the sadness, to appreciate it too.
I have many, many fond memories of Peta.
My parents were living in Libya when I join the Choir School and I fear I needed rather a lot of support.
Clive and Peta were wonderful with me; including during a nasty bout of dysentery which struck soon after my arrival in England. These days I would have been categorised as an attention seeker and they somehow knew how best how to deal with me without crushing me. So much better that the terrifying Miss Skinner!
My favourite memories must be to do with her reading to us. She was so good at it, and on special evenings (was it Sundays?) we used to be read to in her study rather than in the dorm - Paul Galico’s ‘Jenny come home’, the Mayne stories, and of course C S Lewis. What a lovely coincidence that the latter went to Malvern - he hated it though!
I have a picture of either you or Tim, perched on Peta’s lap during a school photo, in my study here at home!
They were happy days - made happier in my last year for me when our football team was unbeaten!
Thank you again for everything last week.
Yours sincerely,
Hugh Carson
First of all, thank you for arranging such a generous buffet reception after Peta’s requiem. We enjoyed meeting your family and many familiar faces - but much lived in now - from Canterbury days.
I’m sorry Penny and I had to return so promptly to our home in the Peak District.
Understandably you and Tim had so many to speak to and each time we tried to make contact you were engrossed with someone else. We didn’t want to barge in but I was sorry afterwards to hear from Barbara Coker that you had missed us.
I apologise - and please, if you are ever in these parts, do come and see us. We are near Wetton, where Peta stayed a year or two ago. Our telephone number is 01 298 84544.
The service itself was very moving and to Penny and me; it all seemed so appropriate.
There was much that was reassuring and happy, indeed uplifting. I hope you were able, despite the sadness, to appreciate it too.
I have many, many fond memories of Peta.
My parents were living in Libya when I join the Choir School and I fear I needed rather a lot of support.
Clive and Peta were wonderful with me; including during a nasty bout of dysentery which struck soon after my arrival in England. These days I would have been categorised as an attention seeker and they somehow knew how best how to deal with me without crushing me. So much better that the terrifying Miss Skinner!
My favourite memories must be to do with her reading to us. She was so good at it, and on special evenings (was it Sundays?) we used to be read to in her study rather than in the dorm - Paul Galico’s ‘Jenny come home’, the Mayne stories, and of course C S Lewis. What a lovely coincidence that the latter went to Malvern - he hated it though!
I have a picture of either you or Tim, perched on Peta’s lap during a school photo, in my study here at home!
They were happy days - made happier in my last year for me when our football team was unbeaten!
Thank you again for everything last week.
Yours sincerely,
Hugh Carson
From Anthony Dawson - Old chorister
Dear Chris,
Thank you for letting me know of your mother’s death. I am sorry to learn of your loss but I know she had a relatively long innings and if she only had a short illness, you may think this was a good end to a good life.
Memories of Peta and Canon Pare are still fresh in my memory, even though it's more than 40 years since they left Canterbury. Your father was a stern and authoritative man, certainly to the young choristers. He was a firm disciplinarian and we were very much in awe of him.
On the other hand, Peta was warm and kind, and an absolute sweety. We all loved her dearly. Coming upstairs (which day boys didn’t do frequently as juniors) usually meant we needed a cut or graze bandaged or some balm applied, and Peta always performed these duties with care and tenderness. She was always relaxed, warm and friendly, and a comfort to any boy who was unhappy.
Of course I remember you as a small boy but feel sure that you are now almost as old as I am!
The Choir School was such a great place to have lived and worked in. I adored my years there which were probably the most formative years of my life. I continue to take a choir to sing in one of the country’s great cathedrals each year, and realize that I’m trying to recreate a little bit of my own youth in so doing.
With best wishes to you and your family, and with many happy recollections of Canterbury in the 1960’s,
Yours sincerely,
Anthony Dawson
Thank you for letting me know of your mother’s death. I am sorry to learn of your loss but I know she had a relatively long innings and if she only had a short illness, you may think this was a good end to a good life.
Memories of Peta and Canon Pare are still fresh in my memory, even though it's more than 40 years since they left Canterbury. Your father was a stern and authoritative man, certainly to the young choristers. He was a firm disciplinarian and we were very much in awe of him.
On the other hand, Peta was warm and kind, and an absolute sweety. We all loved her dearly. Coming upstairs (which day boys didn’t do frequently as juniors) usually meant we needed a cut or graze bandaged or some balm applied, and Peta always performed these duties with care and tenderness. She was always relaxed, warm and friendly, and a comfort to any boy who was unhappy.
Of course I remember you as a small boy but feel sure that you are now almost as old as I am!
The Choir School was such a great place to have lived and worked in. I adored my years there which were probably the most formative years of my life. I continue to take a choir to sing in one of the country’s great cathedrals each year, and realize that I’m trying to recreate a little bit of my own youth in so doing.
With best wishes to you and your family, and with many happy recollections of Canterbury in the 1960’s,
Yours sincerely,
Anthony Dawson
From Paul Jakeman - Old chorister
Dear Chris,
It was with great sadness that we heard the news of your mother's death via the CCOCA network. We visited her last year, soon after we moved out of London, and although she was obviously getting frailer, she was still very much her old self, appreciative of all the contacts and support she had from friends and family.
Niki and I saw her infrequently, though we always tried to visit when we were on leave from our missionary service. I remember once visiting her in hospital after the problems with her knee replacement, and her typical mixture of stoicism and frustration at the limitations it imposed on her. She was a great supporter of our work abroad, and we appreciated her interest and her prayers.
Of course she will always be part of my childhood at the Choir School - firm when needed, but caring and kind when we needed looking after as youngsters away from home.
It was from that time, of course, that our mothers developed their own friendship - dating mainly from the invitation to my mother (as she was otherwise on her own) to join the choir festivities at Christmas. She always appreciated the kindness of the invitation, and she and Peta developed a firm friendship thereafter. I know mother visited the Isle of Wight on a number of occasions.
We do send our condolences to you and to Tim at this time of loss. You will have the comfort of knowing that your mother affected so many people positively over the years, but I am equally sure that she will leave a big gap in your lives, and in the lives of many others. We are sorry that we will not be able to attend her funeral, but are sure that it will be ‘well done’.
With best wishes
Yours sincerely
Paul and Niki Jakeman
It was with great sadness that we heard the news of your mother's death via the CCOCA network. We visited her last year, soon after we moved out of London, and although she was obviously getting frailer, she was still very much her old self, appreciative of all the contacts and support she had from friends and family.
Niki and I saw her infrequently, though we always tried to visit when we were on leave from our missionary service. I remember once visiting her in hospital after the problems with her knee replacement, and her typical mixture of stoicism and frustration at the limitations it imposed on her. She was a great supporter of our work abroad, and we appreciated her interest and her prayers.
Of course she will always be part of my childhood at the Choir School - firm when needed, but caring and kind when we needed looking after as youngsters away from home.
It was from that time, of course, that our mothers developed their own friendship - dating mainly from the invitation to my mother (as she was otherwise on her own) to join the choir festivities at Christmas. She always appreciated the kindness of the invitation, and she and Peta developed a firm friendship thereafter. I know mother visited the Isle of Wight on a number of occasions.
We do send our condolences to you and to Tim at this time of loss. You will have the comfort of knowing that your mother affected so many people positively over the years, but I am equally sure that she will leave a big gap in your lives, and in the lives of many others. We are sorry that we will not be able to attend her funeral, but are sure that it will be ‘well done’.
With best wishes
Yours sincerely
Paul and Niki Jakeman
From Graham King - Old chorister
Dear Chris,
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to our Christmas letter to your late mother. Please accept our belated sympathy in your loss.
I was a chorister at the Choir School from 1952 -1958 and so was there when Peta married Clive Pare, although my memories of the wedding are extremely hazy now. Peta brought a warm, feminine touch to the 'all boys' environment at the school, and her loving personality helped offset the necessarily somewhat austere demeanour that Clive had to adapt in his role as headmaster. My years at the Chair School were among the happiest of my life, and I am eternally grateful to the adults who so caringly contributed to our education - academic, musical and social.
I moved to the United States in 1971, and lost touch with a number of folk back home. But then my mother, now departed, somehow reconnected with Peta, and we started an annual correspondence at Christmas. She seemed to be living a full and happy life, and remarkably cogent at an advanced age! At one paint, she sent me a copy of speech that I had delivered as 'head boy' on the occasion of the christening (?) of either you or your brother - it escapes me now - full of childish puns on the titles of British newspapers.
Thank you also for the copy of the funeral service. I note the reference to the ‘Clive Pare Memorial Fund’ and will forward a contribution as soon as I can make the proper arrangements. I’m sorry I was not able to participate, in even a small way, in the tribute that your mother so richly deserved.
Sincerely,
Graham D. King
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to our Christmas letter to your late mother. Please accept our belated sympathy in your loss.
I was a chorister at the Choir School from 1952 -1958 and so was there when Peta married Clive Pare, although my memories of the wedding are extremely hazy now. Peta brought a warm, feminine touch to the 'all boys' environment at the school, and her loving personality helped offset the necessarily somewhat austere demeanour that Clive had to adapt in his role as headmaster. My years at the Chair School were among the happiest of my life, and I am eternally grateful to the adults who so caringly contributed to our education - academic, musical and social.
I moved to the United States in 1971, and lost touch with a number of folk back home. But then my mother, now departed, somehow reconnected with Peta, and we started an annual correspondence at Christmas. She seemed to be living a full and happy life, and remarkably cogent at an advanced age! At one paint, she sent me a copy of speech that I had delivered as 'head boy' on the occasion of the christening (?) of either you or your brother - it escapes me now - full of childish puns on the titles of British newspapers.
Thank you also for the copy of the funeral service. I note the reference to the ‘Clive Pare Memorial Fund’ and will forward a contribution as soon as I can make the proper arrangements. I’m sorry I was not able to participate, in even a small way, in the tribute that your mother so richly deserved.
Sincerely,
Graham D. King
From Peter Nicholson - Old chorister
Dear Chris and Tim Pare
I was very sorry to learn that your mother had died. I’m afraid it is always a great shock to lose a parent, even when anticipated. I hope you find it some comfort to know that your mother will be mourned by all the old Choristers for whom she was such a kindly and welcoming figure at the Choir School. Please accept my condolences and sympathy.
I regret that I won’t be able to attend the funeral, having a long standing engagement abroad.
I wonder if you remember me? We did meet once when your parents came to see me in East Suffolk. I was a nature reserve warden there at the time. Tim - you had a shot at driving my Landrover and I gave you all a tour of the area, ending up with a swim at Walberswick.
You’ll be interested to know that I was the first Canterbury Chorister your mother met (she was clearly charitable enough not to judge all the boys by the experience!). I was on tour with Clive visiting some of his Cornish friends and we all happened to share a ‘B & B’ there. Your Mum was the district nurse. Your father must have made up his mind pretty quickly for on the way home he asked “what do you think if I was to get married?”!
My apologies once again for not being with you on the day.
Sincerely,
I was very sorry to learn that your mother had died. I’m afraid it is always a great shock to lose a parent, even when anticipated. I hope you find it some comfort to know that your mother will be mourned by all the old Choristers for whom she was such a kindly and welcoming figure at the Choir School. Please accept my condolences and sympathy.
I regret that I won’t be able to attend the funeral, having a long standing engagement abroad.
I wonder if you remember me? We did meet once when your parents came to see me in East Suffolk. I was a nature reserve warden there at the time. Tim - you had a shot at driving my Landrover and I gave you all a tour of the area, ending up with a swim at Walberswick.
You’ll be interested to know that I was the first Canterbury Chorister your mother met (she was clearly charitable enough not to judge all the boys by the experience!). I was on tour with Clive visiting some of his Cornish friends and we all happened to share a ‘B & B’ there. Your Mum was the district nurse. Your father must have made up his mind pretty quickly for on the way home he asked “what do you think if I was to get married?”!
My apologies once again for not being with you on the day.
Sincerely,
From Charles Vignoles - Old chorister
Dear Tim and Karen, Chris and Marian,
First of all, thank you, Chris and Marian, for being so welcoming to Car0lyn and me last Friday. It was very special to be able to see Peta and sit with her for a while in those last hours before she died.
Peta, as my godmother, and my mother Phyllis's cousin, has been an important part of my life as long as I can remember. My mother was an only child and I think she regarded Peta as something akin to a substitute sister - (she was always known to us as 'Auntie' Peta).
One of my earliest memories is a visit to Par, in Cornwall, where Peta and her friend Doreen were District Nurses. It certainly wasn't summer, but I do remember a very happy day on Par beach, which was just a few yards from the house.
Peta's mother, Hilda, and my maternal grandmother Alice lived in Tetbury (how things have come full circle!) and another childhood visit was one made there.
Peta was a most generous and punctilious godmother - she always remembered birthdays and her name is to be found in many books received as Christmas presents.
The next big occasion was wholly unexpected when as a chorister at the Canterbury Choir School the Headmaster Clive Pare took me and my brother John on one side and announced that he was about to marry my 'cousin' Peta!
Their wedding ceremony was a great event - Archbishop Geoffrey Fisher presided, and my brothers and I were pageboys. Just a year ago when Carolyn and I last visited Peta, she got out the wedding photos and the whole occasion came flooding back.
For me, as a 12 year old, the sudden eruption of 'family' into 'school' life was not without its awkward moments, but things quickly fell into place when 'Auntie' Peta became 'Mrs Pare' - or, as she was universally known by all the choristers "..'SPare!" She excelled in her new role as surrogate mother to a whole generation of choristers.
Over the years we did not meet often, but were always in touch - first in Gloucester, then there was our wedding in 1965 (Clive married us) and once or twice in connection with concerts at Canterbury (in aid of the CFP Memorial Fund).
Then four years ago Carolyn and I took Peta out to lunch at a splendid pub (carefully selected by Peta). By now 'SPare' had become 'BionicPare' and she was pretty crippled, but with great determination she climbed into our camper van and took us on a wonderful tour of the Stroud and Slad valleys.
It was a great day, full of happy reminiscence, and, like Peta, never to be forgotten.
We shall miss her.
Charles Vignoles
First of all, thank you, Chris and Marian, for being so welcoming to Car0lyn and me last Friday. It was very special to be able to see Peta and sit with her for a while in those last hours before she died.
Peta, as my godmother, and my mother Phyllis's cousin, has been an important part of my life as long as I can remember. My mother was an only child and I think she regarded Peta as something akin to a substitute sister - (she was always known to us as 'Auntie' Peta).
One of my earliest memories is a visit to Par, in Cornwall, where Peta and her friend Doreen were District Nurses. It certainly wasn't summer, but I do remember a very happy day on Par beach, which was just a few yards from the house.
Peta's mother, Hilda, and my maternal grandmother Alice lived in Tetbury (how things have come full circle!) and another childhood visit was one made there.
Peta was a most generous and punctilious godmother - she always remembered birthdays and her name is to be found in many books received as Christmas presents.
The next big occasion was wholly unexpected when as a chorister at the Canterbury Choir School the Headmaster Clive Pare took me and my brother John on one side and announced that he was about to marry my 'cousin' Peta!
Their wedding ceremony was a great event - Archbishop Geoffrey Fisher presided, and my brothers and I were pageboys. Just a year ago when Carolyn and I last visited Peta, she got out the wedding photos and the whole occasion came flooding back.
For me, as a 12 year old, the sudden eruption of 'family' into 'school' life was not without its awkward moments, but things quickly fell into place when 'Auntie' Peta became 'Mrs Pare' - or, as she was universally known by all the choristers "..'SPare!" She excelled in her new role as surrogate mother to a whole generation of choristers.
Over the years we did not meet often, but were always in touch - first in Gloucester, then there was our wedding in 1965 (Clive married us) and once or twice in connection with concerts at Canterbury (in aid of the CFP Memorial Fund).
Then four years ago Carolyn and I took Peta out to lunch at a splendid pub (carefully selected by Peta). By now 'SPare' had become 'BionicPare' and she was pretty crippled, but with great determination she climbed into our camper van and took us on a wonderful tour of the Stroud and Slad valleys.
It was a great day, full of happy reminiscence, and, like Peta, never to be forgotten.
We shall miss her.
Charles Vignoles
From Dr Geoff Lloyd - retired dentist
Rembrandt's Mother
Peta worked for me as a receptionist in my Dental Practice for over ten years. She had no previous experience of that type of work but took to it like the proverbial duck to water.
She loved contact with the patients and radiated a natural and genuine air of caring confident efficiency which was an incredible asset, especially when dealing with the more nervous patients, and those with titles who never managed to overawe her!
Peta also had the most wicked sense of humour which certainly helped long arduous days to pass in a much more relaxed and enjoyable manner.
It was also possible to " pull her leg" which I did all too frequently.
One of my lady patients who was really old enough to know better made a habit of attending dressed in outlandish and revealing outfits.
On one particular day she appeared not only displaying a very obvious amount of cleavage and a great expanse of thigh but also a large floppy black velvet hat.
After the rapid deployment of the largest bib in the Practice and my initial examination I sent the lady back to Reception to make her next appointment.
I thought it quite reasonable to ring through and ask Peta to give Rembrandt's Mother a thirty minute appointment.
There was a noticeable pause before Peta, in her most professional and serious voice, stated that she would carry out that request.
A few minutes later the door to my surgery opened and when she had stopped laughing she proceeded to very comprehensively "tear a strip off me" for forcing her to keep a straight face whilst she made the appointment all the time saying a silent, but ardent, prayer that she did not let her mask slip.
Over the years Rembrandt's Mother went down in the Practice history and we laughed over the incident on many occasions as we did with innumerable others.
That was the Peta I remember, professional, caring and most of all immense fun to be with.
She was a very special lady.
Peta worked for me as a receptionist in my Dental Practice for over ten years. She had no previous experience of that type of work but took to it like the proverbial duck to water.
She loved contact with the patients and radiated a natural and genuine air of caring confident efficiency which was an incredible asset, especially when dealing with the more nervous patients, and those with titles who never managed to overawe her!
Peta also had the most wicked sense of humour which certainly helped long arduous days to pass in a much more relaxed and enjoyable manner.
It was also possible to " pull her leg" which I did all too frequently.
One of my lady patients who was really old enough to know better made a habit of attending dressed in outlandish and revealing outfits.
On one particular day she appeared not only displaying a very obvious amount of cleavage and a great expanse of thigh but also a large floppy black velvet hat.
After the rapid deployment of the largest bib in the Practice and my initial examination I sent the lady back to Reception to make her next appointment.
I thought it quite reasonable to ring through and ask Peta to give Rembrandt's Mother a thirty minute appointment.
There was a noticeable pause before Peta, in her most professional and serious voice, stated that she would carry out that request.
A few minutes later the door to my surgery opened and when she had stopped laughing she proceeded to very comprehensively "tear a strip off me" for forcing her to keep a straight face whilst she made the appointment all the time saying a silent, but ardent, prayer that she did not let her mask slip.
Over the years Rembrandt's Mother went down in the Practice history and we laughed over the incident on many occasions as we did with innumerable others.
That was the Peta I remember, professional, caring and most of all immense fun to be with.
She was a very special lady.
From Dr Alistair Smith - Stroud GP
Dear Chris,
It was with great sadness that I learned of your mother’s passing on my return from holiday last weekend. Barbara Coker has been good enough to bring me up to date and has also furnished me with an Order of Service for her Funeral Requiem, which I was unfortunately unable to attend. This afternoon I have taken the liberty of visiting her resting place up above Slad Church, a beautiful and peaceful spot.
Peta was a special patient. She bore her infirmities with stoicism and courage, although latterly she struggled to conceal her dismay when her arthritis started preventing her from writing letters to friends, something she had always enjoyed.
Visiting her was always a pleasure. I have three young daughters and their birthdays were never forgotten. She would also invite us all to visit her at Christmas, a card and a present were always waiting for each of them. They loved their visits to “Mrs Pare” and particularly admired her Nativity Set - I was always amazed nothing was ever broken, so fond were they of playing with it! They also enjoyed spotting magpies and squirrels from her window.
I enclose a cheque in memory of my friend Peta. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as her family, and all her many friends at this sad time.
With Best Wishes.
It was with great sadness that I learned of your mother’s passing on my return from holiday last weekend. Barbara Coker has been good enough to bring me up to date and has also furnished me with an Order of Service for her Funeral Requiem, which I was unfortunately unable to attend. This afternoon I have taken the liberty of visiting her resting place up above Slad Church, a beautiful and peaceful spot.
Peta was a special patient. She bore her infirmities with stoicism and courage, although latterly she struggled to conceal her dismay when her arthritis started preventing her from writing letters to friends, something she had always enjoyed.
Visiting her was always a pleasure. I have three young daughters and their birthdays were never forgotten. She would also invite us all to visit her at Christmas, a card and a present were always waiting for each of them. They loved their visits to “Mrs Pare” and particularly admired her Nativity Set - I was always amazed nothing was ever broken, so fond were they of playing with it! They also enjoyed spotting magpies and squirrels from her window.
I enclose a cheque in memory of my friend Peta. My thoughts and prayers are with you, as her family, and all her many friends at this sad time.
With Best Wishes.
Thursday, 5 April 2007
From Stella Parkes - friend
I didn't get to know Peta until she was nearly 80, but she never seemed to me like an old lady.
She was always fiercely independent and always had a twinkle in her eye. In fact, she was a brilliant role model for ageing and never seemed to let anything get her down.
She was famed in the house for her gin and tonics and always volunteered her room for our management meetings.
To me, she felt like the sheet anchor for our little community of eight flats, and we are all going to miss her a great deal.
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Best wishes.
She was always fiercely independent and always had a twinkle in her eye. In fact, she was a brilliant role model for ageing and never seemed to let anything get her down.
She was famed in the house for her gin and tonics and always volunteered her room for our management meetings.
To me, she felt like the sheet anchor for our little community of eight flats, and we are all going to miss her a great deal.
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Best wishes.
From Joan Walker (RIP) Life long friend
CORONATION DAY JUNE 2nd. 1953
After spending the night in London, Peta and I lost no time the next morning in making our way to the Mall in the company of hundreds of other sightseers.
In view of the damp atmosphere, we were clad in as much mackintosh as we could wear and carrying waterproof sheets, food etc.
We were more than fortunate in finding a small empty space of gutter in the Mall where we were able to settle ourselves down for the next 28 hours or so, with a real 'front view in the Stalls' position.
But when on occasion Peta and I have recalled the day it was the continuing call of the newsboys’ “Everest conquered - Everest conquered” that has remained in our minds. Peta was chatting to a group of gutter neighbours - medical students - who had brought equipment for heating water and who kindly let us have some, to which we added a 'Little brandy we had brought - just in case! It was so welcome on this chilly evening it was positively nectar.
Early the next morning the Police on duty told us to “clean up your gutters like good people”, and because they were so polite everybody did just that, without a murmur of protest.
Later on there was full-throated cheering for the Queen on her way to her Coronation, quietness during the crowning, and continuous rapturous cheering as the newly crowned Monarch returned to her Palace, towards which all the thousands of watching crowds surged.
Although both tall, Peta and I felt ourselves carried with them, our feet scarcely touching the ground, and the cheering when our Queen appeared on the balcony was almost beyond belief.
Eventually we found to our surprise and delight that there were hot baths at the Underground, which we certainly needed to indulge in, before catching the West of England train.
Nationally and personally it had been quite a day, but what an extremely enjoyable one!
After spending the night in London, Peta and I lost no time the next morning in making our way to the Mall in the company of hundreds of other sightseers.
In view of the damp atmosphere, we were clad in as much mackintosh as we could wear and carrying waterproof sheets, food etc.
We were more than fortunate in finding a small empty space of gutter in the Mall where we were able to settle ourselves down for the next 28 hours or so, with a real 'front view in the Stalls' position.
But when on occasion Peta and I have recalled the day it was the continuing call of the newsboys’ “Everest conquered - Everest conquered” that has remained in our minds. Peta was chatting to a group of gutter neighbours - medical students - who had brought equipment for heating water and who kindly let us have some, to which we added a 'Little brandy we had brought - just in case! It was so welcome on this chilly evening it was positively nectar.
Early the next morning the Police on duty told us to “clean up your gutters like good people”, and because they were so polite everybody did just that, without a murmur of protest.
Later on there was full-throated cheering for the Queen on her way to her Coronation, quietness during the crowning, and continuous rapturous cheering as the newly crowned Monarch returned to her Palace, towards which all the thousands of watching crowds surged.
Although both tall, Peta and I felt ourselves carried with them, our feet scarcely touching the ground, and the cheering when our Queen appeared on the balcony was almost beyond belief.
Eventually we found to our surprise and delight that there were hot baths at the Underground, which we certainly needed to indulge in, before catching the West of England train.
Nationally and personally it had been quite a day, but what an extremely enjoyable one!
Wednesday, 4 April 2007
From Mrs M Dunne - cousin of son Chris Pare's wife
I’M SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS THIS YEAR
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear so many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart.
I cannot tell you of the splendour or the peace inside this place.
Can you imagine Christmas with our Saviour, face to face?
I will ask him to light your spirit as I tell him of your love,
So then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above.
So be happy for me, my dear ones, you know I hold you dear,
And be glad I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above,
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
For I can’t count the blessings or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
A LETTER FROM HEAVEN
To my dearest family some things I’d like to say,
But first of all to let you know that I have arrived okay.
I’m writing this from Heaven. Here I shall dwell with God above.
Here, there ’re no more tears of sadness, there is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said: “I welcome you
“It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
“I need you here badly, you are part of my plan.
There’s so much that we have to do to help our mortal man.”
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do
And foremost on the list was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight,
God and I are close to you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain
Remember there could be no flowers, unless there could be some rain.
I wish I could tell you all that God has planned
But if I were to tell you all, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over
Now more than ever before my life to you is closer.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb,
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I would like it for you too,
That as you give the world, so the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and in pain,
Then you can say to God at night, my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that my life was worthwhile
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low
Lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go.
When you are walking in the street and you have me on your mind
I’m walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind.
And when it’s time for you to go, from your body to be free
Remember you are not going…. you are coming here to me.
I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,
With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear so many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart.
I cannot tell you of the splendour or the peace inside this place.
Can you imagine Christmas with our Saviour, face to face?
I will ask him to light your spirit as I tell him of your love,
So then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above.
So be happy for me, my dear ones, you know I hold you dear,
And be glad I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above,
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
For I can’t count the blessings or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
A LETTER FROM HEAVEN
To my dearest family some things I’d like to say,
But first of all to let you know that I have arrived okay.
I’m writing this from Heaven. Here I shall dwell with God above.
Here, there ’re no more tears of sadness, there is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said: “I welcome you
“It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
“I need you here badly, you are part of my plan.
There’s so much that we have to do to help our mortal man.”
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do
And foremost on the list was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight,
God and I are close to you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain
Remember there could be no flowers, unless there could be some rain.
I wish I could tell you all that God has planned
But if I were to tell you all, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over
Now more than ever before my life to you is closer.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb,
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I would like it for you too,
That as you give the world, so the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and in pain,
Then you can say to God at night, my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented that my life was worthwhile
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low
Lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go.
When you are walking in the street and you have me on your mind
I’m walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind.
And when it’s time for you to go, from your body to be free
Remember you are not going…. you are coming here to me.
Tuesday, 3 April 2007
CLIVE PARE MEMORIAL FUND
Contributions to the Clive Pare Memorial Fund following Peta Pare's funeral amounted to £1,446.61.
For more details of the fund visit:
http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/community/choristers/clive.aspx
For more details of the fund visit:
http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/community/choristers/clive.aspx
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