Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Pete Pope's Funeral


Pete Pope (John Peter Pope) 1949 - 2012

Pete Pope died on 11th May 2012. Since then his friends have rallied round to organise an appropriate send-off. The funeral will be conducted by humanist officiant Billy Jenkins, and the service will consist of well-chosen music and tributes. Further celebration of Pete's life will continue at The Dog and Bell. Rather than sending flowers, donations can be made to Bench Outreach (020 8692 2810), who supported Pete when he was ill.

The following Sunday there will be a second ceremony to scatter Pete's ashes from the Ha'Penny Hatch into the outgoing tide, starting with a procession from The Bird's Nest pub (participants are requested to bring percussion instruments), followed by more celebration back at the pub.
Funeral : Friday 15th June 2012, 10.45am
Please arrive by 10.30am
Hither Green Crematorium, Verdant Lane, London, SE6 1TP

There will also be a group cycle ride to the crematorium leaving Deptford Bridge DLR at 10am. (Cycling not compulsory).

From noon all are invited for food and refreshments
The Dog and Bell, 116 Prince Street, Deptford, SE8 3JD

Scattering of Pete’s ashes : Sunday 24th June, 4.30pm
Ha’penny Hatch, Creekside, Deptford, London SE8
Meet at 2.30pm at The Bird's Nest, moving on to Ha'Penny Hatch – bring percussion
Followed by music and refreshments
The Bird’s Nest, 32 Deptford Church Street, Deptford, London SE8 4RZ
An obituary is being compiled, but in the meantime, for those who want to know why Pete was important to so many local people, Transpontine has posted here. Pete was part of the campaign to stop Lewisham council selling off Aragon Tower on Pepys Estate (later featured in the BBC doc The Tower, see the video below). Later he was commemorated in the 'Wall of Ancestors' installed at the base of the 'Z' building (aka Aragon Tower, see pic below).

As part of Deptford Community Forum and Convoys Opportunity, he protested against the plans for Convoys Wharf – a campaign which has now entered a new phase with the work of Deptford Is and others. Convoys Opportunity proposed a cruise liner terminal and drew attention to Deptford's maritime history with a press stunt in a Thames barge in 2005 (Pete is dressed as Lord Nelson).

Thanks to Transpontine for links, and Jeannie for river pic. Part One of The Tower below.



Watch The Tower [Part 1] in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for this thoughtful posting. I will forward it to friends' of Pete now far from London and to whom I have recently broken the news. I am sure they will appreciate this article a lot as they are unable to attend the funeral RIP Pete..Sail on towards the light

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  2. Very nice piece!

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