Said goodbye to Margaret Aitchison today at the Crem in Tynemouth. I'd known Margaret ever since I began working in that music store in Newcastle alongside her late husband, trumpet player and Ellington authority, Hughie.
After her death on Sept. 29 I knew that, whatever government restrictions were in place, I'd be there. If I hadn't I'd have hung my head in shame out of respect for Hughie and his family.
Sadly, apart from myself, Irene McBriarty and the Vieux Carré Jazzmen I didn't recognise any other local jazzers. Of course, as we were all masked, there could have been some wondering why I wasn't there!
The VCJ played Just a Closer Walk With Thee ahead of the horse drawn carriage.
Inside, Number Two son Barry (as Hughie often referred to his youngest) gave an emotional reading of some words telling us just how he felt about his loss. I too felt my eyes moistening. Prior to this he'd prepared a video presentation of photo clips of his beloved mother from her youth to the final days of her 91 years. All in all it was a sad and yet fond farewell to a lady who loved her family and her jazz.
REST IN PEACE MARGARET you will always be remembered.
Lance
1 comment :
Thanks for coming and to all the other's that could come. The Vieux Carré jazzmen wer very good. That was in front. I did all I can for Margaret Aitchison. Only ten came back to the wake it was OK but there was food for 16 to 25. But the whole day went down well.
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