Cremarorium B.C. Plaque Unveiling

Brian Connolly Plaque Unveiling...

Brian Connolly plaque erection: 1.15pm Wednesday February 9th 2000.

The day was windy and cold, but at least stayed dry and bright. The Crematorium was easy to find and it was nice to be met by Mick Brown as I drove in. I was early but it gave me the chance to get some pictures before people turned up. The plaque is situated on the wall near the West Chapel where flowers of remembrance are laid. It seemed that some 200 people had been mailed with the details of the day, but, despite that, just 17 people turned up. I know it was no doubt difficult for many, being a weekday, but so few people...one would have thought that at least those that had protested loudly wanting to see the evidence would have made the effort, but there you are...maybe they will prefer to make a more private pilgrimage.

It was nice to see several of Brian's family there including Nicola, Michelle and Marilyn and they were genuinely grateful for those who had come, and of course to Mark and Mick for all their hard work. The plaque itself is very good and a credit to Brian. With so few people there it seemed no-one was quite sure what to do, but up stepped Lorraine to read out a poem she had written specially for the event. It was very fitting and a genuine personal touch. The family thanked her privately afterwards. Mark and Mick both thanked everyone for their help and support and after about an hour, everyone made their way home.

Lorraine's Poem:

	An angel came to me a few days ago
	Said "We need a Singer for a festival show
	with your experience you'll be great for the band
	so some on B.C. let me take you by the hand."
	No doubt about it, no doubt at all
	It was a one shot deal, so I answered the call.

CHORUS		I climbed my "Stairway to the Stars"
		To the sound of screaming Fender guitars
		No turning round no looking back
		This is the Final Contract

	The roadies had already set up the lights
	The centre spot got me square in its sights
	"Come on Brian", said a voice, "Let it rip
	Let them hear it all the way back to Sunset Strip".
	So I kicked back, racked it, started to sing
	Then I found myself jamming with Elvis The King

CHORUS		I climbed my "Stairway to the Stars"
		To the sound of screaming Fender guitars
		No turning round no looking back
		This is the Final Contract

	Hendrix was on guitar with Phil Lynott on the bass
	Keith Moon pounded the drums like a nut from outer space
	When the crowd roared out just like a hurricane
	I felt more alive than ever, I was home again.
	As the band left the stage thunder shot through the floor
	It was just those crazy rockers begging for more.

CHORUS		I climbed my "Stairway to the Stars"
		To the sound of screaming Fender guitars
		No turning round no looking back
		This is the Final Contract

	Stay Sweet people, stay on-line
	I'm going great, I'm doing fine
	One more thing before I forget
	Can't wait to see ya - just NOT YET!

CHORUS		I climbed my "Stairway to the Stars"
		To the sound of screaming Fender guitars
		No turning round no looking back
		This is the Final Contract

If you'd like to visit the Crematorium and see the Plaque, here are some directions:


From The north either aim for the M1 0r the M40, from the south the M25. All three converge at the 
M40 junction for London West. Follow the signs for Denham onto the A4020 and then onto the B467. 
Around a mile later turn onto the A4180 which brings you into Ruislip. The crem is off the Bury 
Road which is the main drag through Ruislip, if you get lost and need to ask for directions, ask 
for either the fire station or Ruislip Common. 

The crematorium address is:- 

Breakspear Crematorium, Breakspear Road, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 7SJ. Tel: 01895 632843

Click either map to enlarge - then print them out in b/w.

This page was last edited on: February 9th 2000.