THE Parish Church of St Martin of Tours, Werrington, was filled to capacity on Tuesday afternoon, for the funeral service of Miss Joan Rendell, MBE, who died tragically as the result of a fire at her home at Tremarsh, Werrington, on May 4 of last year.

The service was conducted by Canon Geoffrey Pengelly, assisted by the vicar of Werrington, Rev Kenneth Wakefield. The eulogy was given by Rev Barry Kinsmen of Padstow, a former President of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, an organisation which Miss Rendell had worked extremely hard for, for over 30 years, both within the Launceston branch and as secretary at county level.

Organist for the hymns was Mrs Carol Baker and as the cortege left the church for interment in the churchyard, the congregation sang a rousing rendition of Trelawny.

An arrangement of blue and gold flowers — the colours of the Launceston Old Cornwall Society — rested on the coffin and a pedestal arrangement stood at the chancel steps, from members of the Dunheved Flower and Garden Group.

In lieu of other flowers, donations were invited for Werrington Church, a place were Joan had worshipped for most of her life, and where she had been a past secretary and electoral roll officer, as well as serving 63 years as the parish clerk of Werrington.

Among the congregation were representatives of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies and their branches together with fellow Bards and members from other local organisations. The Cornish flag flew half mast from Launceston Castle as a mark of respect.

A full account of the funeral will appear in next week's 'Post.'