Ann Metcalfe: Small notes from a large funeral

Ann Metcalfe (centre) with friends

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In one of Rochdale’s largest funerals for some years, the body of popular Norden councillor Ann Metcalfe was laid to rest on her beloved Rough Lea Farm yesterday (14 March).

Approximately 250-300 mourners attended the burial which was described as a ‘thanksgiving and celebration’ of her life.

Ann died last month after a short illness.

The burial service was conducted by Father Paul Daly who had been a personal friend and who had supported her during her final illness.

Taking place in freezing temperatures amid flurries of snow, the event was as colourful as it was large as Ann had left instructions for people not to wear black. A group of huntsmen in their hunting-pinks made a particularly fine show and a brass ensemble provided music for William Blake’s ‘Jerusalem’.

Following a gospel reading from Conservative Leader Ashley Dearnley, Father Daly spoke of Ann’s commitment to her community and her energy, drive and generosity in supporting good causes.

Daughter Emma caught the mood splendidly and gave a moving but fun-filled eulogy to her mother in which she spoke for twenty minutes with both dignity and humour. She recalled how she and sister Sarah had been placed in the saddle before they could walk by a mother whose passion for both dogs and horses were well known. What perhaps was less well known, said Emma, was her mother’s lack of success in the kitchen where her culinary skills were of varying quality and she was always ‘losing’ dishes in her many different ovens which would often not be discovered until several days afterwards.

She spoke movingly of the strength of Ann's relationship with Alan, her partner of 23 years, who she had met after he offered her help to get to a horse show where she was judging after her car had broken down. She managed to persuade him to stay and write down her comments and scores.

Mayor, fellow-Norden councillor and friend, Jim Gartside gave the public tribute. He recalled how Ann’s drive and determination during the Scout Moor Wind Farm protest had built a really strong community spirit that continues to this day. Although the wind farm went ahead, the legacy and community bonds survived and in that sense the protest had been a resounding success.

The poem ‘Warning’ by Jenny Joseph was read by friend Susan Pawson and John Barlow led the enthusiastic singing of ‘Do Ye Ken John Peel’.

Following prayers, led by Father Daly, Ann’s body, contained in a wicker casket, was lowered into the frozen ground to the strains of ‘Fields of Gold’ by Eva Cassidy and the hunting horn tribute, ‘Gone Away’ was sounded by huntsman Steven Ashworth.

Ann’s grandchildren, Jonty and Marcie, released balloons in their own tribute to the person they knew as ‘Granny Blue’. The service concluded appropriately with ‘Mustang Sally’ from the film 'The Commitments'.

Amongst the large crowd of Ann’s family, friends and colleagues were Sir David Trippier, former councillors Jean Ashworth, Angela Coric and Greg Couzens.

A reception was provided back at the farmhouse to which all those attending were invited and a barbecue and liquid refreshments were served.

“Better by far you should forget and smile than remember and be sad” (Christina Rossetti). 

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news/78049/tributes-paid-to-councillor-ann-metcalfe

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news/78050/ann-metcalfe-she-will-be-greatly-missed