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A host of famous friends and colleagues paid tribute to Spike Milligan KBE at a service of thanksgiving for his life and work,
arranged by the BBC, today at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London.
The service for the comedian and writer who died in February was conducted by The Revd Nicholas Holtam, Vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields.
Stephen Fry read from the Gospel according to St Matthew, chapter 11, verses seven to 19.
Actress Joanna Lumley and entertainer Eddie Izzard read poems written by Spike - My Boyhood Dog and Have a Nice Day! respectively.
And Peter O'Toole recited Sonnet XXX by Shakespeare.
Eric Sykes gave a personal tribute to Spike and musical contributions came from Barbara Dickson and Spike's daughter Jane
Milligan.
Barbara sang Here's That Rainy Day (music by James van Heuson and lyrics by Johnny Burke) and Jane sang Alice in Wonderland,
which has lyrics by Spike Milligan and music by Alan Clare.
The hymns included Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, which was introduced by David Secombe, son of Harry. A recording of
Harry Secombe singing the first verse was played, a reminder that Spike once joked that he did not want Harry singing at his
funeral.
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