Villagers pay for grand memorial
Lambourn villagers raised almost £2,700 to pay for a fitting send-off for popular character, David Ellis
LAMBOURN villagers have paid for a grand memorial to a popular character described as a “local legend.”
David Ellis, who worked at the Co-Op stores and died suddenly on July 19 last year, was extremely well known in the village.
He was born in Lambourn and attended local schools.
Friends and colleagues arranged a collection to give Mr Ellis, known as ‘Skinny,' a proper funeral and a fitting send-off for a much-loved local character.
Collection tubs were placed in the Co-op, where Mr Ellis had worked for the past nine years, and in local hostelries including the George Hotel, Valentine's Wine Bar and the Malt Shovel.
Lambourn Co-op manager Kevin Gibson said at the time: “Everyone knew Dave and the amazing response speaks volumes for the affection in which he was held.
Almost £2,700 was eventually raised - enough to pay for a splendid funeral and for the magnificent headstone, pictured, which was erected in Upper Lambourn Cemetery in time for Mr Ellis' birthday on March 18.
A memorial plaque has also been placed in the garden of Valentine's Wine Bar.
Villager Liz Beard, who helped organise the collection and make the arrangements, said: “We are very proud of the amazing generosity of the people of Lambourn and it is so nice to know that there is still a community spirit among us.”
An entire breakdown of the costs for the funeral and memorials, plus the money raised, has been posted in the Co-Op.