Funeral of Margaret Newell

The horses say their good-byes.

I've only known Margaret for a very short time; I first met this dynamic lady tearing around on her scooter organising the Holton Lee horse show in August last year. She has been described as a "crusty old horse-woman with a heart of gold" but, in a very short time I discovered that crusty shell to be egg-shell thin and underneath was a very warm and caring person who will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

It was very fitting that Margaret should make her last journey from Holton Lee to the Poole Crematorium and the horses were all brought up to say their good-byes. Marmite, true to character, gave a brief nod of his head to Margaret as he brushed past the hearse, threading his way through the family and guests and headed out to sample the untouched lush grass around Faith House!!

Meanwhile the other three horses paid their gentle respects to Margaret and were put back within the boundaries of the Camp Field to graze. However, when they saw the privileged grazing that Marmite had assumed for himself on the wrong side of the fence they all took off at a gallop round the perimeter, drawing Marmite in to the chase until they reached the wooded area where Marmite had no choice but to jump the electric fence back into the field with the others.

With spirits high they headed back down the field to circle excitedly round Wally who was standing patiently to calm them down. They circled Wally several times as if he was lungeing them and then quite suddenly Marmite slowed to a walk and stopped by Wally's shoulder to have his head-collar taken off!

Husband John conceded that Margaret would have enjoyed such a spirited send-off and she would have had a good chuckle!

Both the Crematorium and the Lytchett Minster Chuch were packed with friends and relatives.
The Service of Thanksgiving was a lovely , moving service planned by Margaret herself, and the whole afternoon was rounded off with food and drink back at Holton Lee Farmhouse. God bless you Margaret.

Posted by Jonnie Colvile