WOKINGHAM came to a halt on Monday as the borough paid its respects to its honorary alderman and community stalwart, Bob Wyatt.
The funeral of the former mayor took place in All Saints Church and was preceded by a funeral procession that paid tribute to one of his great passions in life: the Austin Seven motorcar.
The procession stopped outside the Town Hall in Market Place to allow local dignitaries, including Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood, High Sheriff Lucy Zeal and both the current borough and town mayors.
Town councillors wearing their ceremonial robes also joined the procession as it made its way down Rose Street towards the church.
Construction workers from Peach Place downed tools and removed their hard hats to pay their respects as the procession went by them.
And the town councillors formed a guard of honour outside the church as Lt Col Wyatt’s family processed into the historic building.
Before the service began members of Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band performed a selection of music, while ALl Saints’ director of music, Richard Smith, performed Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite as the family came into the church.
Hymns included Jerusalem, Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, and I Vow To Thee My Country.
Tributes were given by Lt Col Wyatt’s son Michael as well as former council leader David Lee and Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner.
The address was given by the Revd Canon David Hodgson from All Saints and town clerk Jan Nowecki gave the scripture reading, John 14:1-6.
There was, appropriately for the Lt Col, a Last Post, performed by the town council’s honorary bugler Damon Emes.
The service concluded with a moving and heartfelt poem called Granddad, written by Lt Col Wyatt’s grandson, Carl.
Afterwards, there was a civic reception in the Town Hall.
For more pictures, and reaction see this Thursday’s Wokingham Paper
