The Revd David Winter writes:
ALVIN STARDUST - his real name was Bernard William Jewry - was a star of the rock-music scene in the 1970s. After modest success with a band called Shane Fenton and the Fentones, a change of image brought him several hit records, including topping the pop charts with the song "Jealous Mind". His appearances on Top of the Pops revealed a figure of menace, clad in black leather with matching gloves, topped with an extravagant quiff of black hair and sideburns. This mean and moody image was even then far removed from his real personality, and in due course he was pleased to abandon it and pursue a second career as a singer, entertainer, and actor.

Even then, his former image pursued him - he was cast as the Child Catcher in the stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He had two marriages that eventually broke down, the second to the actress Liza Goddard.

His Christian conversion apparently had its origins on a train journey, and involved a group of people, including Stardust, kneeling on the carriage floor, praying. He went home and told his wife: "I've found God." His new-found faith profoundly changed his life, and this marriage ended; but he continued his stage and music career. Eventually, touring with the musical Godspell, he met his third wife, the actress Julie Paton.

They settled in the Sussex village of Loxwood, where they became involved in the life of the community: Stardust helped to raise money for the village hall and the primary school - and as active members of the local free church. Their daughter Millie has Sir Cliff Richard as a godfather.

Stardust had resumed his singing career, and performed on the Sunday before his death from prostate cancer on 23 October, aged 72. He recently completed work on a new album, which, he said, would reflect more accurately his own beliefs and priorities.