Just a quick update on Alex, or more to the point Ingie, Hatsie, Imy and indeed the whole Moon family. I along with about 300 friends, colleagues and sailing buddies of Alex filed into the Crematorium at Southend to celebrate his life. With all the seats taken we stood 3 deep down both sides of the of the Chapel. The Service was taken by the Revd. David Tudor who had a canny knack at putting everyone at ease very quickly, the service was, after an opening prayer proceeded by the congregation reading Psalm 23. On looking at the Order of Service I could not help but thinking with all these favourite songs on tape, from LeAnne Rimes, Sting, Paul Weller and U2 when would I get to sing. We got to the Lords Prayer and I thought that was it, I had not looked that far ahead and here in Scotland 30 minutes is about as long as a Service lasts.
But I have not mentioned yet that Ingrid, or Ingie was first to speak, what strength – afterwards she said that it came from Alex. We were treated to a second insight to Alex by his brother, Olly. Then “Bug” a poem read by Jane (Alex’s” Mum) entitled ‘Escape at Bedtime’ by RL Stevenson. Lastly a tribute from Alex’s best friend Martin Paine, who told us of the antics, he, Alex and others got up to over the years and that they had been best of buddies, even to the last, he showed the lighter slightly more personal side that I think we all know Alex was capable of.
Reverend Tudor then had a message for Hastie and Imy with a little ditty about caterpillars, chrysalis and butterflies; somehow I think 300 children took that message to heart.
Well would you believe it a Hymn, “Morning has broken” in a key that I could sing, words well didn’t really need to look, but I did. During the Committal ‘Ave Maria’ sung by soloist Sarah Hay and after the blessing we were treated to Eternal Flame by the Bangles as we left the Chapel. It may not have been what I am used to, but I cannot remember being so relaxed and content in years, in an environment that, for me, has become quite painful, I suspect that even this Alex may have had a hand in.
Ingrid’s wish for flowers was certainly fulfilled and back at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club memories were exchanged. I met a few of Alex’s colleagues, Albacore sailors and a bit of surprise a Dragon sailor from Burnham. Given Alex’s roots I am not sure why I was surprised but I was.
The website alex-m.tumblr.com/ note no (www.) has been set up to record memories about Alex and it would be nice if some of his sailing friends could add either there, or here on our forum some thoughts, Ingrid will read both. Ingrid is keen for Castor and Pollux to stay within the family and plans to sail with the girls at some point.
Well maybe a “quick” update is not possible, and indeed not appropriate. Alex is still smiling and I know 300 others who feel it too.
Derek Gibbon
NAA Chairman
