DESPITE heavy rain and strong winds, St Mary’s Church in Hemyock was packed last Wednesday for the funeral service of popular villager Betty Shire.

The widow, 87, died at Linden Nursing Home on Sunday, December 20, after a short illness.

Mother of five boys, she had lived in Hemyock all her life. Sadly, one of the boys, Ken, died some years ago.

The other boys, Alan, Ivan, Nigel and Malcolm, acted as pallbearers. Bet was married to Art, who died about ten years ago.

The service was conducted by the Rev Tony Grosse and the reading was given by Sue Middleton.

Donations were in aid of the Blackdown Practice.

The service was followed by interment at Hemyock Cemetery.