Village's tribute to Westfield Christmas Lights co-founder Ken Munday BEM
A village paid its respects and said its farewells to a community stalwart on Monday (November 2), as his family invited everyone to celebrate his life.
Ken Munday, who was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the village of Westfield, outside Hastings, died aged 96 on October 5.
He was one of the people who started the annual Westfield Christmas Lights event, which has raised much-needed money for charities over the years since its inception more than 50 years ago.
On Monday a procession left Churchfields and made its way to through the village to Westfield Church, where Ken's funeral service took place.
For those unable to attend, a further service was held at Hastings Crematorium.
The family also invited everyone to join them at The New Inn in Westfield after the services to share memories, tell stories, and raise a glass to Ken.
A statement posted by the family on the Westfield Christmas Lights 2026 Facebook page ahead of Monday's funeral said: “For anyone who would like to make a donation in Ken’s memory, we would be extremely grateful. Please click on the donation link at https://kenneth-munday.muchloved.com.
“We wish to thank Del Soan and staff at Willows Funeral Service, St Leonards for all their help and support in arranging this funeral with us. Thank you to everyone for your kindness, support and the many wonderful memories you have shared with Ken and our family. With love from all the Munday family.”
The family said Ken and his wife Brenda, together with their neighbours Wilf and Jean, put Christmas lights in their windows in December 1975, which led to the annual village event still celebrated today.
The Westfield Christmas Lights event has raised more than £130,000 for charities over the years.
Ken was awarded the BEM in the King's Birthday Honours in 2023 for his services to Westfield and to charity.