ALCESTER said a fond and emotional farewell to one of its best-known citizens, John Bunting, at a funeral service at St Nicholas’ Church on Tuesday (September 23).
Affectionately known as JB, Johnnie B, and Mr Alcester, John was remembered for his extraordinary contributions to community life during his 86 years, which included many decades as a dedicated town councillor and playing a key role in numerous charitable organisations.
He is best-known, however, as the industrious shopkeeper who supplied families from near and far with Buntings, a family-run grocery business on Alcester High Street for 95 years.
John Bunting on holiday in Malaysia, 2007. s
A bright and sunny day saw the church packed with its familiar Norman tower overlooking John’s former shop, as it has done for generations of his family.
The service was warmly led by Rev Julie Lindsay, who welcomed mourners and delivered the eulogy detailing John’s long life from runaway schoolboy, aged seven, to Buntings proprietor for 34 years.
A long list of his community contributions was highlighted, including being Alcester’s second mayor, an active member of the Alcester Royal British Legion, Alcester and Bidford Rotary, and his support for all things historical.
A keen amateur historian, it was said that what he did not know about the town was not worth knowing.
A deeply moving and funny personal tribute was given by Robert ‘Bowly’ Davies, whom John had taken under his wing as an errant 13-year-old. He called John a father figure who was his inspiration and hero.
He spoke about how John had given him his first job as ‘box squasher’ and how he learnt so much just by watching him.
“[I saw] how easy he spoke to people, how liked he was, how his personality shone and gripped those around him. To be honest I was in awe. I have tried hard to take those lessons learned and use them in my life so far.”
Later he added: “I smile wide at how much John helped me, how he spent time with me – never having to ask me about my worries, but constantly deflecting them from me.”
Following that was a touching poem read by John’s grandson Jacob Bunting-Relph.
The three hymns during the service were Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, The Lord in My Shepherd and O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.
Bible reading, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13 was read by his nieces, Dawn Clarke and Julia Sessford.
As the service drew to a close, John’s wicker casket, topped with a large tribute of cream flowers, was borne out by family members, accompanied by Time to Say Goodbye by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. This recessional song had people reaching for their tissues.
The committal for family members took place at Redditch Crematorium at the conclusion of the service.
As it did, mourners gathered to share further memories of John at a wake at the Greig Hall, a community centre he was instrumental in helping to fundraise for, so it could be reopened after a prolonged period of closure.
Donations in John’s memory for the Shakespeare Hospice or Alcester Day Care (for people living with dementia) can be sent to Hemming and Peace, 67 High Street, Alcester.
