February 22, 2001 15:10: A STANDARD bearer lowered the the flag of the Royal Air Force Association at the funeral of former Free Press editor Arthur Church.

More than 100 family, friends and former colleagues gathered last Thursday to pay their respects to Mr Church, who died aged 89 on February 4.

The flag of the Royal Air Force Association High Wycombe branch was lowered by standard bearer Bob Smith as the coffin was carried into the chapel at Amersham Crematorium.

The Rev Peter Viney, who conducted the service, told those present: "It is a tribute to Arthur that there are so many here this afternoon to give thanks for his work and life."

He spoke of Mr Church's long career with the Free Press and his close association over many years with Wycombe Wanderers, the Royal British Legion, The Rotary Club of High Wycombe and the Wycombe almshouses, among the many organisations he supported.

Mr Viney said: "He was gentle and loving. His home and family meant so much and he was steadfast to the extreme. He loved Wycombe and he loved the people and his work" and he quoted directly from the editorial in the Free Press' sister paper the Midweek when he said 'We shall never see his like again'.

Mr Viney read the Lesson from St John's Gospel and the hymns chosen by the family were Great is my Faithfulness and Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer.