Town mourns 'remarkable man'

Well over 200 people packed into St Augustine's Church, Cooden Drive, to bid farewell to Ken Igglesden, who died last month at 87 after losing his battle with stomach cancer.

Daughter Carolyn Gaught stood in front of local councillors, past mayors, members of 2262 (Bexhill) Squadron Air Training Corps and Ken's beloved RAFA club, as well as friends from all over the community, to praise Ken as a "remarkable man and a wonderful father".

She spoke of his sense of humour, his work serving in the Middle East, his love of sport and music and the family's pride when Ken received his MBE from the Queen in 1996.

"He taught me to stand up for for what we believe in because you can make a difference. My dad did stand up for what he believed in and he did make a difference."

A trumpeter from the Royal Air Force Regiment band played The Last Post and Reveille before the coffin, decorated with Ken's medals and a Union Jack (above), was carried out and taken to Eastbourne Crematorium.

Prayers were lead by Father Robert Coates, who commented on the strong show of support, saying: "It's a tribute to him and to the family that there are so many people here today."

Father Daniel Smith, padre of the Bexhill RAFA branch of which Ken was a member for many years, also spoke movingly to those gathered for Monday's service.

Ken's son John, who lives in America, had a short speech read out by Dave Robson, husband of Ken's daughter Barbara, who went on to add his own moving tribute.

John remembered the many sides to one of Bexhill's most familiar faces - father, husband, gardener, provider and cricketer and member of the Bexhill branch of the RAFA association.

"His inspiration helped the fundraising efforts of the Bexhill branch to grow and outstrip those of other branches in much larger places.

"Ken has been a wonderful man who has lived a long and wonderful life. He wanted nothing, he expected nothing, he asked for nothing, but he gave everything."

Mourners left to the sound of Soul Limbo, the theme music for Test Match Special, and other Ken favourites, before heading to The Albatross Club, scene of many a RAFA coffee morning, for a celebration of his life.