Meeting up to start the procession
Just after 10am 9 Wings met at Hooton,Wirral for the 10 mile trip to Alan’s house in Upton, Wirral.
We waited until 10.20am for any stragglers but none arrived.
After a non eventful trip up the M53 we stopped off at our 2nd meeting place, The Seven Stiles, which has now been re-named The Fender.
At 10.40 am after waiting a few minutes in the car park for Bob & Marlene on their trike, which made it 10 machines in all, we rode the 1/4 mile to Alan & Joyce’s house.
On arrival we came across quite a few family members outside enjoying the nice weather, accompanied by a large contingent of Coastguards (male and female) in their No 1 uniforms and an array of official 4X4 rescue vehicles.
At 11am the entourage set off for Landican Crematorium, starting with a Coastguard vehicle with all flashing blue and red emergency lights on, followed by the hearse and funeral limousines with friends and family.
The 10 GoldWings, led by Lyn & I, rode behind in a staggered formation, to be escorted at the rear by the remaining several coastguard vehicles, with all their blues an twos flashing.
We were escorted through the 4 sets of traffic lights and one very busy traffic island so not having to stop at any point to the crematorium.
I and the other GoldWing riders felt it was a fantastic and impressive send off for Alan.
In the chapel the celebration of Alan’s life was hosted in a very professional way by Humanist Minister Suzanne Jones, who gave the congregation many stories of Alan’s life from his childhood to the day he passed away, many from lifelong friends.
After the service we all travelled 3 miles to The Red Cat pub where we had coffee and a buffet lunch (non drivers had alcoholic drinks).
Joyce and family were very pleased that one of Alan’s last wishes was fulfilled and the Goldwing fraternity did him proud, we’re sure he was riding with us and would have loved it all.
God bless and rest in peace, Alan.
Dave & Lyn Crowley