The sad news of John's death was imparted to all on Will's email list, including an invite for anyone to attend, driving their Middlebridge Scimitars if possible. I chauffeured George in my Middlebridge to our meeting place in a garden centre in Gedling, Nottinghamshire. Bruce came in his gorgeous Porsche blue Scimitar, Alan and Sandra arrived in their original Gunmetal grey Middlebridge albeit wearing the wrong wheels, Mark Beedham and his Wife Allison also joined us in their Mercedes.

We parked in the proper Car Park, but were hoping to find somewhere more imposing to greet the funeral cortege, however the ideal place on grass near the entrance had signs saying Keep Off.

This is the second funeral that I've attended that's been very different from any other. It was a cross between a celebration of life, reminisces, and a political rally! We learnt of John's time as a Labour Councillor, Lord Coaver and others, including close family and friends gave their eulogies, tales, and stories of John's life.

After the funeral, attendees were invited to view the Scimitars, for some this was a side of John that they weren't really aware, so - much ooing and aahing were heard and folk were invited to sit in the cars, look under the bonnet of Mick's car. I should have added, a Classic Car meeting too then.

We, who only knew him for the past 30 or so years, had our opinions confirmed, that here was a thoroughly decent, honest, genuine, respectful, principled man, with integrity, the like of which is rare in this age. There was an abundance of laughter during the non-religious ceremony, wonderfully entertaining stuff. Isn't it good that life has been celebrated and his contribution to many people's lives is recognised.

John has left us with our own legacy. If it wasn't for his vision to salvage the Scimitar SE6b, there wouldn't have been the Middlebridge Scimitar, there wouldn't have been 'The MESS'. Without the MESS I/we wouldn't have met some of the nicest people imaginable, made lifelong friends and had some incredible times, with much laughter and banter. In my opinion, that is something to celebrate and treasure, and cannot be priced.

Pictures:

• Three Middlebridge cars outside the crematorium.
• The Family memorial card.
• Bruce Beauchamp's bespoke MESS card. (The family were delighted with the card and content).

Credit: George Sampford