The Memorial Service on Sat Dec 3rd was a most impressive and moving tribute to the late Mr G C Lees-Milne. Although we knew the very serious nature of his illness, the end came more suddenly than we anticipated. We are all conscious of the grievous loss to our Village and to the Church. Both had become very dear to him and time will prove the value of his work. His success in beautifying Wickhamford was widely recognised, and we who rejoice in its beauty must ever be mindful of what is owed to him. The Church, too, owes much to his generous interest. His last gift was the restoration of the Choir Gallery to its ancient position, and those who knew his desire to see this accomplished could not but be moved by the fact that the first time the restored Gallery was used was at the Memorial Service.
In my address I referred also to his support of all good causes and his many acts of kindness to individuals – these latter known only to the persons concerned.
To me personally he showed very great kindness and was ever ready to give advice and help concerning the many matters I referred to him. I had great faith in his judgment and he never grudged time or trouble in dealing with my problems. Those who ministered to him during the last few weeks will always remember his courage in the midst of great pain and the way in which he retained his interest in the village and the church. To the end he showed himself “a very gallant gentleman”. May he rest in peace.
Mrs Lees-Milne and the members of her family are assured of our deepest sympathy in their loss.
The task that lies before us is to go forward with the work of restoring and beautifying our Church. We had looked forward to having the help of his knowledge and experience in all this. To be deprived of it is a great handicap, but if we can conserve the spirit of fellowship and willing service which was manifested in the carrying out of the arrangements for the Memorial Service a great deal can be done. I am most grateful to those who cleaned and decorated the church, to the sidesmen, to Mrs Dean (for the transport of chairs), and to the members of the choir for their splendid help on this occasion.
W B Chapman.