Hundreds pay respects to Robertsbridge businessman Julian Gardner

The congregation spilled out the door of St Mary’s Church in Salehurst, with some people having to listen to the service on speakers set up outside.

Many of the mourners came from Robertsbridge and included around 25 family members, including Julian’s mother Molly and his sister Anna.

Representatives from Robertsbridge Bonfire Society, Robertsbridge Aviation Society and Julian’s business partner Damien were also in attendance to remember the businessman who was killed after disturbing burglars at his home at Bush Barn Farm on October 11.

Friends and colleagues from the Bush Barn Shoot and the Longwood Shoot at Ewhurst dressed in their shooting clothes in honour of Julian and acted as ushers for the service.

St Mary’s vicar Rev Jack Lusted gave an introduction, before previous vicar Rev John Lambourne led the congregation in prayer.

Rev Lambourne, who was the vicar at St Mary’s for 25 years, was a close friend of Julian’s.

Friends from Julian’s shooting syndicate paid tribute and an emotional eulogy was given by close friend Richard Waters.

Sister Anna gave a heartfelt reading of a beautiful poem and Annie Chesters sang a touching solo of Bridge Over Trouble Water and I Vow To Thee My Country.

Two members of Julian’s family moved many to tears with a tribute based on the hundreds of cards and letters sent to Molly and Anna after Julian’s tragic death.

Several police officers were also in attendance, at the invitation of Julian’s family.

Rother District Commander Chief Inspector Heather Keating, Inspector Kaj Bartlett and Sergeant Dan Russell, who have been praised for the help and support they have given to the village, were joined by Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, who is leading the hunt to find Julian’s killer.

Speaking after the service, Karen Ripley, an old friend of Julian’s, said: “There were some lovely tributes and some laughter as well and some lovely stories about Julian.

“He had an amazing ability to make people laugh and that came through on Wednesday.

“There’s been hundred of tributes and everyone is saying the same thing about Julian.

“He was just a lovely man. A gentleman.

“He will be deeply, deeply missed by many people.”

After the service, the congregation filed into the Salehurst Halt for an afternoon filled with laughter and tears as the village said a final goodbye to its gentleman Julian.