It was indeed lovely to meet the VP contingent, despite the circumstances.
I don't think any of the family were aware of the service starting early, but we'd been kept outside standing next to the hearse for a considerable amount of time before they unloaded which seemed beyond cruel so were all a bit numb. Nor did I notice the fireplace shop but rest assured that would have raised a hoot from him 
That must have been awful for you all
and my comments were in no way directed at the family, I hope that you know that.
This, I think, will be my last post on the subject. I have pondered on whether I should share this or not, my ponderings have led me to the conclusion that my reasons for not sharing are selfish therefore share I will.
As I type there is a tear in my eye and there is much gazing out the window at the trees on the other side of the valley as I search for the right words to tell this little tale which for me is such a huge tale which will shed light on the dignity and generosity of Mr Malcolm Lawrence and Mrs Alison Lawrence.
After the service we were invited back to the house. Nick and Growler led the way as they purported to know where they were going. When we got there parking was difficult, Nick directed us to an alleyway which ran behind not only the Lawrence's house but a number of others. We duly parked and entered the back garden and were let in through the back door of the property. What went on whilst in there has been noted elsewhere so I will fast forward to when we were leaving.
We made our way through the kitchen, utility room and back garden accompanied by Alison, as we stopped at the wrought iron gates on the drive Alison explained that there was a knack to opening them as Malcolm had once, when on his mobility scooter, backed into them at speed, denting one of them.
We all laughed and I said that I had just started looking at mobility scooters. Alison immediately said 'oh you can have Malcolm's' I was taken aback but explained that I was just looking for a small one not an all singing all dancing ones. 'Oh he has one of those too, take it it comes to pieces and he could do it with one hand, it fitted in the boot of his car, I'll go and get it now'. We stopped her, thanked her, told her to go back to her guests. Alison explained that Malcolm had been quiet insistent that his two mobility scooters should not just be sold or given to a charity shop rather they were to go to people who needed them and would use them. We said that if she was serious then we would come back on Friday she said yes come you have to have a test drive. Breathing space all round.
Friday saw us back at the house, sitting in the study where Malcolm had written so much, not only on the VP but also editing the village mag, other things too no doubt and drinking coffee with Alison. She told us again about Malcolm's wishes that his scooters were to go to people who needed them and would use them.
Fast forward again and we were out on the drive Alison showing us how to put a scooter together and then me test driving said scooter round their drive trying not to run anyone over, we had by this time been joined by a friend of Alison's.
I then drove the scooter out of the dented gate to the door of our van and we loaded it up. I was somewhat overwhelmed, I hugged Alison and thanked her, it was she who comforted me in that moment.
So here I am with scooter from Snoops courtesy of his (bad) driving a dented gate and a chance comment. I hope that I accepted this gift graciously.
The very personal thing is that this will change my life. As Nick has said I have taken to walking backwards much of the time, I am unable to drive, am unable to walk far and am not safe to be let out on my own. Because of this I am reliant on Mr C and have little or no independence. So if I need to post a letter, collect a prescription silly things like that I have to ask Mr C to ferry me around. He doesn't mind but I don't like it hence me starting to do research into mobility scooters.
Quite simply this gift will change my life. I feel somewhat humbled and somewhat privileged. So thank you Malcolm wherever you are.
I just hope that it doesn't turn out to be anything like this.........
Christine 1983 John Carpenter ( Filming Location ) 
