Author: Paul Blacknell
I’ve been researching my genealogy since 1988 when I started interviewing my eldest relatives. Although my primary focus has leant towards the Blacknells (and spelling variants), I've also uncovered many Quigleys, Freers & Colhouns. So far my family history can be traced back to 1730 in Calverton, Nottinghamshire.
Categories
Gretta Blacknell Eulogy
Gretta was born in 1933 to these two folk in County Donegal in Ireland – William Quigley and Mary Anne Colhoun. Here they are on their wedding day. Mum was the second of five children – the first two were daughters and it’s probably fair to assume that farmers needed sons as a priority. Life for the eldest two must have been hard.
A service to celebrate the life of Gretta Blacknell was held at Beckenham Methodist Church on Monday, 22nd January 2024 at 2pm.
The chief mourners were Mr & Mrs Paul Blacknell (Farnham) and Mr & Mrs Andrew Blacknell (London), sons; Anna Blacknell, Tom Blacknell, Libby Blacknell, Harry Blacknell, Joe Blacknell, Jed Blacknell and Ben Blacknell (grandchildren). The general body of mourners included Ms Sharon Thornton (niece) and Ms Nichola Goad (niece), Mr & Mrs Mark Blacknell (nephew) and Mstr Ben Blacknell (grand nephew) . The bearers were Gretta’s seven grandchildren.
A recording of the service is available to replay via YouTube along with a copy of the Order of Service.
The Eulogy was delivered by Paul and a Family Tribute by Andrew.
Gretta was laid to rest next to David, the following day at Clandon Wood, a natural burial ground comprising thirty-one acres of traditional wildflower meadowland, lakes, wetland and young woodland. An informal ceremony was held, attended by her immediate family, where they shared memories with each other.
Please feel free to view photographs taken during the service and committal.
Paul & Andrew
The family have asked that donations are made to Dementia UK in her name.
Categories
Gretta Blacknell
It is with great sadness that Andrew & I share the news that our mother passed away this morning.
As you may know Mum was diagnosed with dementia several years ago. After Dad collapsed in 2020, she moved into a residential care home in Orpington and since then we have visited her frequently – which hasn’t been easy at times. The care home took excellent care of her and she has been as comfortable and content as we could have wished.
It was a relief that the ending was as peaceful as we could have hoped for and she passed away quickly.
Mum & Dad were married for 59 years and set a fantastic example in marriage and family life. Gretta was a great mum to us and grandmother to her seven grandchildren – she was immensely proud of them all. Throughout our lives there was nothing Mum wouldn’t do for us and she played a central role in shaping who we both are. We will be forever grateful.
The funeral will be held at 2pm on Monday 22nd January at Beckenham Methodist Church.
Gretta Blacknell
1933-2023
Categories
Clara’s & Arthur’s Funerals
After the attempted pickpocketing, there was a long gap when the Freers were out of the limelight. The next reference found in Welsh Newspapers Online was from 28 March 1918, when the funeral of my great-grandmother, Clara Blacknell (née Freer) was reported, along with Arthur’s two months later.
David Blacknell
18 August 1935 ~ 7 October 2020
A service to celebrate the life of David Blacknell was held at Beckenham Methodist Church on Thursday, 29th October 2020 at 12pm. The service was officiated by the Reverend Alex Terrett.
Categories
Funeral Service Replay
David Blacknell’s funeral service was streamed live and we were joined by family and friends from over 75 remote locations. To help anyone who would like to watch the replay we’ve included some timings below along with the Order of Service which you can download.
- Entrance 10:49
- Welcome 13:10
- Reading 20:53
- My Brother 21:47
- Eulogy 24:05
- Readings 46:09
- Address 47:24
- Music for Reflection 52:47
- Family Tribute 54:45
- Prayers 1:12:01
- Commendation & Committal 1:19:34
- Closing Music 1:21:08
Watch the video replay here
Categories
David Blacknell Eulogy
I’m going to cover a chronology of Dad’s life – his childhood, his career, his friendships, his hobbies and his retirement. So where do I start?
Categories
David Blacknell
It is with great sadness that Andrew & I share the news that our father passed away this morning.