Tom Quad looking toward the bell tower.Orwell Astronomical Society (Ipswich)
Dr Allan Chapman's Funeral Service
The funeral service of Allan Chapman started at 2.00pm on Tuesday 03 March 2026. I arrived at the entrance to Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford in good time and, on asking for directions, a beadle told me to walk straight across the quad to the west door. There was a slight delay on entering as a few last minute preparations were still being undertaken, but I soon found a seat on the north side of the nave adjacent to the pulpit. The organ played three tunes by J S Bach and one by Vaughan Williams.
Tom Quad looking toward the bell tower.
The bell of Great Tom sounded two beats just before the coffin containing Allan’s mortal remains entered. The coffin was decorated with a large floral display. The evocative words from verses 25 and 26 of chapter 11 of St John’s Gospel (I am the resurrection and the life...) were read and the coffin proceeded through the nave and was placed on two biers just below the choir.
Entrance to Christchurch Cathedral.
View towards the altar.
View towards the organ and west door.
The first hymn, Charles Wesley’s And can it be, was followed by three spoken tributes. First was by a retired Head Sidesman of the Cathedral, second by a Professor of Oxford University and third by Council Member of the Society for the History of Astronomy, Gerard Gilligan. Readings were Psalm 84 and from chapter 21 of the Book of Revelation.
The second hymn was The spacious firmament on high. The second Bible reading was from chapter 14 of St John’s Gospel. Prayers, including the Lord’s Prayer, followed. The final hymn was The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended. The service ended with a commendation, a blessing, and a "Nunc Dimittis" (Lord, let thy servant now depart in peace). The final committal took place at the Tom Tower.
Gerard Gilligan reading his tribute. [GS]
Toasts to Allan; clockwise from the window Lee MacDonald, Kevin Johnson, Gerard Gilligan, Roger Hutchins, Clive Davenhall, Bill Barton.
It was extremely moving to be part of such a service.
Proceedings were completed by refreshments served in the North Transept. Those present included Allan’s family, cathedral staff, members of the SHA, and astronomical societies with which Allan was associated. At least two past Presidents of the Royal Astronomical Society were present. As we left we admired the architecture of Tom Quad, started by Thomas Wolsey around the year 1525, and originally intended to be the cloister of the cathedral.
As final conclusion to the day, a party of six located a nearby hostelry and drank several toasts in fond memory of Allan.
Images by Bill Barton, FRAS, except for [GS] courtesy of Gurbir Singh, Salford Astronomical Society.
Bill Barton, FRAS
Order of service