Funeral of popular councillor

Dudley Edward Rose died from cancer at St Wilfrid's Hospice on May 17.

He would have been 71 on Monday.

Cllr Rose was a Hailsham town councillor since the 1960s and later a parish councillor in Hellingly.

He was also a Labour parliamentary candidate in 2005.

There was standing-room only for the humanistic service at Eastbourne Crematorium on Friday.

Three pieces of music, mainly classical, were played and five people paid tributes.

Brother Raymond Rose, 68, told the Express: 'I wasn't aware of how many things he was involved in and how highly he was regarded.

'It was a very moving experience.

'He had so much to offer and it is criminal that someone like himself should go.

'He just did not give up, right to the end.'

Raymond Rose did not speak at the service in case it was too difficult.

He added: 'So many other people wanted to speak and what could I say?

'He was always my big brother.

'There were many things he still wanted to do.'

Dudley Rose's wife Paula was at the ceremony.

One niece, one nephew, two great-nephews and four great-nieces also attended.

The Mayor of Hailsham, Cllr Ian Haffenden, spoke on behalf of the town council.

Afterwards he said: 'It was a very positive ceremony and a great tribute to him in the way he faced difficulties and cancer.'

Town Cllr Nigel Coltman recalled how he and Cllr Rose, from different political parties, would show friendly rivalry.

They would out-do each other delivering political leaflets in the same street.

A tribute from Ann Gellatly, former headteacher of White House Primary School, Hailsham, was read out.

Cllr Rose was once head of governors at the school.

Other tributes were given by the Hailsham Labour Party, Direct Debt Line and 2nd Hailsham Scouts.

Cllr Rose joined the scout group with his brother when they were boys.

Later he became the group's scout leader.

Cllr Rose was also chair and founder member of Hailsham Twinning Association with Gournay-En-Bray, France.

The French Mayor, Jean-Lou Pain, dropped his mayoral duties for the funeral.

He was joined by Ren Gallant, French twinning association chairman, and the Gournay town clerk.

Afterwards the French party joined family and close friends at Cllr Rose's home in Anglesey Avenue, Hailsham.

Family flowers were given at the funeral and donations made to St Wilfrid's Hospice.