Celebrating a Warminster Life.

Representatives from many sections of Warminster's  community

filled the pews of St John’s Church, Boreham Road, yesterday to celebrate a

long life that had been spent almost entirely as a resident of the town.

They joined family and friends for a service

of celebration and thanksgiving for the life of Jack Field who died on 13th

August aged 95.  Up until the final few

months of his life Jack had worked for six mornings a week as a volunteer at the

Dewey Museum.

 The service was conducted by the Revd Denis Brett and

included tributes from his family and a member of Warminster History Society

who spoke about his connection with the Museum. 

At Jack’s request grandson Jonathan Havelock-Stevens read a

passage written in 1854 about respect for the land.  Granddaughter Helen Webb read a special poem

she had written for her grandfather’s 80th birthday called “Ode to

Grundig” referring to his eyebrows as caterpillars.

Celia Lane, who, with

Pauline White, co-authored the book “Warminster

in the Twentieth Century”, spoke warmly about the affection with which Jack

was held in the town, his amazing memory and his initiative in making it

possible for the book to be written. She reminded the congregation to look on

the walls of the Museum for the photos Jack had chosen to be displayed.  They show the six ancient hills that surround

the town.

 Jack’s daughter Jill Havelock-Stevens told how her father

had moved to Warminster at an early age and at one time sung in the choir of St John’s.  After serving in the Royal Artillery in the

war Jack had worked for Wheelers Seeds in East St and held various jobs in the

town, one of which was keeping the books for solicitors Middleton and Upsall.

Two hymns were sung, Morning

has broken and We plough the fields

and scatter.  Both contained lines

about rainfall which was appropriate as the service was held on one of the

wettest afternoons for weeks.

 Grandson Matthew Eatwell read Bishop Brent’s Prayer which

ended with these words.

You can cry and close

your mind, be empty and turn back,

Or you can do what

Jack would want:

Smile, open your eyes,

love and go on.

 Jack Field, who lived in Vicarage Street, leaves his partner

of 35 years, Joy, two daughters, 5 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.