PEOPLE were standing ten deep in the city centre for the funeral
of Sir Tom Finney, the footballing hero of Preston North End,
writes the Revd Timothy Lipscombe (below), from Preston
Minster, in Blackburn diocese. He especially
remarks on the "exemplary behaviour" of the crowds.
The flag on the town hall was at half-mast, and there was
spontaneous and dignified applause as the hearse drew up outside
the Minster. Players from North End carried the coffin. The address
was given by the former international footballer Jimmy Armfield,
and the eulogy by the former player and manager Tommy Docherty. The
coffin left the church to Elgar'sPomp and Circumstance March
No. 4, amid applause and cheers.