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the Eternal Forest Trust ltd
Charity No. 1110801
Connecting the Cycles of Life
Start of the Procession
Joanna Melville led the procession from the car park, playing a lament for her father on her flute.
His achievements as an army engineer in World War II were among his proudest memories -
achievements mentioned in dispatches
(represented by the oak leaf on his memorial stone)
and still remembered by his surviving colleagues.
The British Legion flag was carried before his coffin as a symbol of respect.
(Photo: Terry Mills)
The procession arrives at the spot selected for Bill's burial.
When we cleared the brambles before
digging the grave, we discovered a tall Scots thistle -
the perfect symbol for the Scotsman
who was to be buried there.
(Photo: Terry Mills)
Sharing memories of a man we loved: the final goodbye.
An informal celebration of a special life.
Bill disliked formality but he loved music;
so we sang the songs he used to sing when we, his daughters, were children.
He asked to be buried in a simple pine box;
this was made by a local craftsman.
We covered the coffin with a REME flag, on which we placed his medals and army beret.
((Photo: Terry Mills)
A wild rose at his head, a rowan tree at his feet.
Bill loved birds; they will sing for him here.
(Photo: Terry Mills)
You can be as 'hands on' as you like
Farewells said, it's time to go
The mourners leave the grave site.
Wildflowers planted and watered, they will spread across the glade. More will be added later -
we continue to tend this woodland garden,
transplanting the bluebells and violets
that push through the paths.
(Photo: Terry Mills)
A peaceful resting place.
(Photo: Terry Mills)
Bill's simple headstone is made of local slate.
The yellow poppies represent his enduring love of Wales.
(Photo: Terry Mills)
The last to leave the grave: Bill's dog Shiela.
She died a year later
and has been buried near her master.
(Photo: Terry Mills)
Faithful companion whatever the journey
