Edwin’s memorial

Edwin’s memorial will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 19 May, at the Roundhouse in London. It starts at 4pm and will go on until around 9pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

Please consider making a donation to the National Youth Theatre for a new bursary in Edwin’s name. Some of Edwin’s fondest memories were of his time with the NYT, and he remained a supporter throughout his life. The money will be used to support young actors who face financial hardship. Click here  to donate.

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Edwin’s funeral took place at St John of Jerusalem, Victoria park, last Friday. We put his coffin on a roadbox with a selection of sunflowers, rosemary and artichokes. You can see the order of service here.

After the funeral everyone was invited to the Royal Inn on the Park, where we raised a glass to Edwin. His body spent the night in the church and was taken to Kent the following morning. I drove him down along the route he typically took on his way to Europe. Along with his partner Marg, we listened to Radio 4 as he always did. After stopping briefly at his mum’s old house, we took him to the churchyard and buried him next to his daughter Rachael.

The vicar spoke briefly. Family friend, Wendy French, read a short segment from W H Auden’s If I Could Tell You:

Time will say nothing but I told you so,
Time only knows the price we have to pay;
If I could tell you I would let you know.

If we should weep when clowns put on their show,
If we should stumble when musicians play,
Time will say nothing but I told you so.

There was a light rain. The church bells rang. We left.

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I have started compiling all the tributes to Edwin that we have received. You can see them here.

Finally, here is a short silent film Edwin made at School:

Thank you,

Raph (Edwin’s son).