Saying goodbye

The service began at 11.35 at St Mary’s Church Newport where the celebration service had been held for Liv and Charlie in December 2005. 

It began with an introduction and prayer by Rev Dick Farr of Henham.  This was followed by a performance of Butterfly, a song written for Liv by her uncle Paul Austin, and performed by Paul, backed by Jon Crossley (he had performed his own composition about the girls at the December 2005 service) and backing signing by Tina, Liv’s mother, and Paul’s daughters Hayley and Georgina.

Next up was a presentation by Dan Howes, a close friend and neighbour, and webmaster for this site, followed by tributes from four of Liv’s junior school – Maz Thorpe, Kirstie Philpott, and Josey and Kitty Travell (who had all kept in close touch with Liv after they all moved on to secondary schools).

Everyone then joined in one of Liv’s favourite hymns Shine, Jesus, shine.

Tina talked about her life, her blonde and not so blonde moments, before ending with a poem These things I want that she had written last March and which describes all Liv’s attributes and foibles.

Liv’s sister Stevie made a powerful presentation, comparing her sister to her favourite Disney characters.  Then her two cousins Hayley and Gerogina Austin-Brown read poems they had written.

The final speaker was Chris Bazlinton who used contributions from the guestbook on the website by visitors to show how well loved Liv was, finally saying goodbye by reading the poem "Remember me".

After a final prayer by Dick Farr, everyone left for the graveside, collecting pink balloons on the way.

At the graveside after prayers and the committal, everyone released their balloons – with cheers for those which cleared the nearby trees.  Finally, Stevie and Liv’s brother Alex opened a box to release two white doves, which rapidly rose, circling the grave before heading off south for home.

Those attending took away bulbs to plant. These will grow over the spring to provide individual reminders of Liv

Anyone who did not pick up a bulb can get one from Tina.

(Further details including the contributions, can be found by using the menu on this page. There is also a new photo album on the "Pictures" page)