On 8th July St Mary’s Church, Henley-on-Thames was packed with over 500 relatives, friends and colleagues who had come together from all over Britain, France and beyond to say good-bye to Francis Stephen 5th Baron Phillimore, a man loved and respected by so many.

The service was conducted by The Reverend Canon Paul Miller from Tresco, an island within the Scillies, where the baby Francis was born on 25th November 1948. Throughout his life he loved returning to this island and its people. He spent many hours relaxing from his busy life here, sailing his Sunbeam keel boat in what could be very tricky waters.

The family had chosen well known and much-loved biblical readings and hymns for the service along with uplifting organ and choral music resulting in a stirring spiritual send off for this highly respected member of our community. For me, the most poignant moment of the service was a beautiful poem, written and read by Francis’ daughter, Arabella, highlighting her deep love for her father, “A Gentle Man”.

John Bodman