Chapter Fourteen
Pulling up to the Union Church in Islington was a surreal experience. A procession of cars was being guided by police officers while thousands of people were held back behind small metal fences. Ana had known it would be a big funeral, especially with it being televised and they were having to use two churches just to hold Douglas' family, friends and colleagues. However, she hadn't quite expected the public to come out the way they had. They lined the route from Douglas' home to the Church, they were gathered in Churches in Islington, London and around the country.
A police officer came to Taylor's window, they spoke briefly about dropping Ana and Christian off and parking the car before being allowed to continue to the front of the steps. It was a military operation. Of course, it was the funeral of the Leader of the Opposition and he deserved the love and respect that was being shown to him.
Taylor pulled up outside the steps of the church and a police officer opened Ana's door. She took the hand he offered to climb out the car as Christian climbed out the other side. The cool October wind whipped at her bare legs and her hair as she took his hand to walk up the steps and into the vast cavern of the Church.
This was the Church which Douglas attended at least monthly. He was a religious man and his faith had been an important part of his journey to Labour Leader. He would have made a great Prime Minister if he'd been given the opportunity.
It was already crowded; the pews were almost full with those invited to the service having been seated according to who they were. Ana and Christian were led down the aisle on the right and were shown to the second pew from the front on the right-hand side. A pew that was angled so that all faced the stage and pulpit. They picked up the order of service from the seat before sitting down. Ana was seated beside Emma Phillips, the deputy leader and Christian was in the aisle seat.
Hands gave her shoulder a squeeze and she turned to see members of the shadow cabinet, they all gave her reassuring smiles which she tried to return.
"Have you noticed, the Prime Minister has shown up." Emma whispered looking at her order of service to hide the fact she was talking to Ana from any cameras that may have been facing in their direction. Ana looked behind as inconspicuously as she could manage and a few rows back she spotted Elena Lincoln in a large blue hat looking as stoic as ever. "I can't believe she had the audacity to show." Emma muttered while her eyes continued to scan the order of service, ensuring she wasn't drawing attention to herself because they were all aware of the cameras that were on them, beaming pictures out to the nation.
"Bloody witch." Ana scoffed quietly making Emma giggle, she knew Ana was avoiding swearing in Church because Ana had much stronger words than that she used to talk about the Prime Minister.
This was a much more formal affair than what John Flynn's service had been. Where that had felt personal this one felt cold and distant. Ana wasn't sure why, maybe it was because the service was being aired live on TV, or maybe it was because of all those who were present who didn't really know Doug like the foreign politicians and members of the Conservative Cabinet.
It was very odd, in another Church a mile or so away, the rest of the MPs were sitting as well as members of the National Executive Committee, only the leaders of other parties had been allowed to attend the main church and the leaders of the NEC.
The church held a total of 900 people over two floors. Most seats were full now and the church was alive with a hum of conversation as they patiently awaited the arrival of Doug and his family. Ana was nervous, she had been asked to read from the bible, rather than make a speech of her own. Doug's childhood best friend had been asked to make the family representations and Emma was making the party representations.
Douglas' coffin arrived to the dulcet tones of Billy Bragg. Everyone in the congregation rose to their feet and Ana started to giggle as did Emma and many other members of the Labour Party. Douglas loved the Billy Bragg version of the Internationale and he'd quite often burst into song on nights out or on the train when a group of MPs would be travelling with him. There was a lot of joy in the memories that surrounded the song, even though Douglas often reminded them that the message within it was important and one Tories would do well in learning. Ana giggled at the thought of the Conservative Cabinet Ministers and MPs who had to listen to this being played right now as Douglas' coffin was brought down with his family close behind.
"So come brothers and sisters…" Everyone looked up to the first-floor gallery where the Labour MPs, AMs and MSPs had stood and broken out into song.
"For the struggle carries on." Ana joined in as Emma took hold of her hand also singing along. "The Internationale, unites the world in song." The church was vibrating with the sound of the singing, the socialist leaders from other countries also trying to join in, though the versions of this song they knew were not necessarily the same one. "So, comrades come rally, for this is the time and place. The international ideal, unites the human race."
It was the best way to start the service. It reminded them all who Douglas Hall was and what he stood for and believed in. It also reminded those like Ana what the world had lost in his premature death. The fight he had in him to fight for equalities and freedom for all. As the second verse was left once again to Billy Bragg's voice on the record, Ana realised there may have been another reason his family had chosen this song. The lyrics rang so true anyway but knowing Douglas had died at the hands of right-wing extremists it made them even more important. Let no one build walls to divide us, walls of hatred nor of stone. Hatred had been the cause of his death, not bombs or bullets but hatred of man for other men.
"So come brothers and sisters, for the struggle carries on. The Internationale, unites the world in song. So comrades come rally, for this is the time and place. The international ideal, unites the human race." Ana sang along with everyone once again, the church vibrating with hundreds of voices. It was truly something special and Ana could imagine Doug standing with them all, his fist up in solidarity with them just as they were now doing for him as his coffin was placed in the centre of the stage. Ana watched as his family stood around the coffin, each one of them also in the same stance, their right fists up with every member of the Labour and Socialist parties who were present, much to the distaste of the Tories and their friends.
They continued to stand like this and sing-along to the third verse and final chorus and as Douglas' family took to their seats the congregation applauded. It was an applause of gratitude, honour and love for the man that was no longer with them. Ana was sure that the country was applauding with them. After a minute, the Reverend took to the pulpit and everyone was seated once more.
"The peace of God be with us all. Douglas Hall died tragically and far too prematurely in St Mary's hospital just five days after being involved in the most horrific terrorist attack this country has ever seen. Douglas did not hate terrorists or loathe them. Instead, as the bible teaches us he believed that terrorists condemned themselves by rebelling against legitimate authority. Douglas celebrated unity, diversity and peace and as we can see by all gathered here today to pay our respects to him and his legacy, we stand united against division, against hatred, against terrorism. Douglas believed that love would bring peace and that love did conquer hatred. He loved his family Shelly, Maxwell and Megan, his brothers Timothy and Ronald and his deceased parents Margaret and John. He loved his friends, his colleagues and his party. Most of all he loved humanity. Douglas didn't care what colour your skin was, what religion you followed or what social class you belonged too as long as you tried to live a good and honest life with love for humanity in your heart. 'Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned.' Song of Solomon chapter eight verse six and seven."
Ana had to wipe away a tear that escaped from her eye. Listening to the Reverend speak about Douglas in this way made her confront the fact he had in fact died, that he was no longer there to guide her and mentor her. The Reverend's words rang deep in her heart, he'd made it clear he'd seen her love for humanity and that's what had drawn him to her and to get her to cross the floor to join the Labour Party. It was true, Douglas loved everyone but if you had a love for humanity in your heart then he had a special place for you in his heart.
"As we meet here together today, we can feel the love that we all shared for Douglas. He was a well-loved man because of how he loved others. Douglas believed strongly in the Golden Rule of Mathew verse seven chapter twelve, 'Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.' Or as we know them today do unto others as you would have them do unto you. He did what he could for others, going above and beyond what many a person would do. Maybe, that's why someone went above and beyond for him in his darkest hour." Ana shifted uncomfortably in her seat as the Reverend and many others turned their eyes to where she was sat. It was a small nod to the part she played in trying to save him, though all she did was take him to safety and tourniquet his injury. He still died so she couldn't have done that good a job of taking care of him.
"Douglas believed it was the Lord's will to give himself to others, he was a humble man who loved the Lord and tried to love like the Lord without judgement for his fellow man. Now let us turn and worship together, Psalm twenty-three. The Lord is my Shephard."
The organ began to play, and the congregation stood together to sing the well-known hymn. Ana sang quietly, knowing that her moment to give the reading would soon be coming after Emma had done hers and then after Ana would be the piece from Doug's childhood best friend, the most personal part of the service.
As everyone took their seats once more Ana and Christian let Emma out so that she could walk to the microphone and stand that had been placed just to the right of the coffin.
"Douglas defined socialism. He believed strongly in the fair distribution of wealth. To him, it meant if you were walking down a street on a cold winter night wearing both a coat and a jacket you should give the homeless man without either, one of them, preferably the warmer one because you have the ability to go and purchase another if you're cold." Emma smiled sadly from the podium, her job was to talk about Douglas' political achievements and record. "He had the ability to make friends with everyone, no matter what walk of life you came from. That's why there are so many Conservative Backbenchers having joined the congregation in the other place watching on screens. He earned people's respect but never demanded it. He was first elected to Parliament in 1983 when Margaret Thatcher was re-elected as Prime Minister…"
The congregation listened with rapt attention as Emma spoke of Douglas' start in politics and how he made his way up through the ranks to be the leader. As she stated that he would have one day been a great Prime Minister if given the opportunity the Labour part of the congregation muttered in agreement. No one would match up to him no matter who got the job next. There simply wasn't someone in their ranks right now that had the passion and drive that Douglas did. It would be a shame and it could possibly even lose them the next election if they made the wrong choice and chose someone that the public didn't like. Though they seemed ready to be rid of Elena and she hadn't made a mention of stepping down before the next General which meant she was planning to stand.
"Socialism lost a great man. He will be sorely missed by so many. Thank you and God bless your soul Douglas." As Emma finished Ana rose and made her way to swap over with her. Thankfully, she didn't have the stress of having to say anything personal, instead she was asked to a reading from the bible selected by the family.
"Galatians six verse one through ten." Ana said before clearing her throat, this was so much easier than having to say something personal. "Brothers and Sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you may also be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows their flesh from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
As Ana stepped down from the podium music started to play once more and by the time she was back in her seat, the congregation was standing ready to sing Jerusalem.
"And did those feet, in ancient times…" Ana felt Christian's hand slip into hers and give her a gentle and reassuring squeeze. She was finally able to let out the breath she'd been holding and relax a little more now. She had been so nervous about doing the Bible reading because it was something she had never done before. However, now it was over, and she hoped Douglas would be happy with both the choice of verse and how Ana had done the reading.
Once again the congregation was seated when the song finished and Ana watched as Douglas' childhood best friend came to the microphone to say his piece.
"Good morning everyone. First, on the behalf of Shelly, Max and Megan I'd like to thank you all for joining us today to say farewell to our Doug." The friend, whom Ana didn't know, had to clear his throat. She could see already that this man was going to struggle to get through this. He had tears glistening in his eyes, his voice was hoarse as though there was a lump in his throat that he couldn't get rid of.
Ana turned her attention to the Union flag-covered coffin with it's red, white and gold floral tribute. A nod to Doug's love for Arsenal. She couldn't look at the friend, his emotion was making her own bubble inside her and with this being such a formal event she didn't want to be caught crying especially with the TV cameras that were capturing their every move.
"Doug was a character." The friend continued. "He loved making people laugh and bringing joy to people…"
The world was a wicked place, Ana thought. How could good people like John and Doug be taken in such horrific ways? It made no sense to her, while looking at the grief of his closest friend and glancing over at his wife and his son and daughter, she questioned how anyone could believe in God when there was such cruelty and atrocity in the world. If God existed, why did he allow people like John and Doug to die early? There was also Tony. Why did an innocent three-year-old who had yet to see or do anything in the world lose his life at the hands of monsters if there was a God to protect him? She felt like a bit of a hypocrite having just given a bible reading at the funeral of one of the most religious persons she'd ever met but she couldn't believe in a God that allowed the death and destruction she'd witnessed after the bombing.
"Could everyone please be upstanding, raise your voices and your red flags high as we take Douglas on his final journey."
Ana giggled to herself again, half the people in the lower part of the Church would not want to join in with the Labour Anthem but Ana figured it would be pretty rude for them not to join when it had been asked of them.
"The people's flag is deepest red, it shrouded oft our martyr dead, and ere their limbs grew stiff and cold, their hearts' blood dyed its every fold." It started off sedate enough, non-labour people mumbling along out of respect. But then the chorus came and they may as well not bothered pretending to sing.
"Then raise the scarlet standard high. Beneath its shade, we'll live and die. Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer. We'll keep the red flag flying here!"
If Ana had thought the way the Labour lot sat upstairs joined in with The Internationale had been something incredible to witness, this was something else. The power in the sound was something incredible and it was a mark of such respect to Douglas. Ana, Christian and Emma sang just as loudly with everyone else, their fists going up in solidarity once again. As the chorus came to an end, the pallbearers went to collect the coffin, while the congregation continued to sing. As the chorus came back again, they started to leave with Douglas' he was being buried in complete privacy, so for most there this was the final farewell. Ana had to wipe the tears from her cheeks as she continued to sing.
"Then raise the scarlet standard high. Beneath its shade, we'll live and die. Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer. We'll keep the red flag flying here."
It raised the spirits of everyone in the room, even those from different political backgrounds could feel the love and respect that was being sounded out in every word. It was something special and even for those watching on screens around the country they would be able to feel how much Douglas meant to his comrades and how they would continue to hold him in their hearts forever.
By the time they got to the last chorus, Douglas' family was leaving with them and this time the chorus took a more sombre approach, everyone bringing it down to a near whisper. It was beautiful.