AT the moving funeral service last week for my wife, Pamela Stratford, the family and I were surprised at the size of the congregation, and perhaps even more surprised and grateful at the very large number of sympathetic cards and messages.

We had never realised quite how many people respected, liked or even loved her. In a strange way this gave us some comfort in our loss.

I cannot hope to acknowledge all the messages, and would ask any of the senders who read this to accept our appreciative thanks and to convey these to others they know.

I would also like to express appreciation of the sympathetic manner in which your reporter interviewed the family and me, which was also reflected in your article.

HJ STRATFORD

Corsham