A few notes to Grahame Fraser Allan - after the funeral

Well Grahame, not sure what you made of today - pretty impressive all round I thought. Your family friends and colleagues did you proud - Lauder nearly ground to a halt and for any passing villains it was heart attack time - there must have been more police in Lauder between those on duty and those off duty than there were working throughout the rest of the Lothian and Borders Police area. For me it was great to see them all in their best dress uniforms, real Policemen, rather than the combat style gear. From the Chief Constable, to the traffic wardens they did you proud, and if I am correct in thinking that Colin Shillitoe was you boss it was nice to see him again, sorting things out - he bought my Honda m/cycle from me years ago when he was in the Traffic Department at Dalkeith. The same bike in fact that you used to go sit on in my garage.

The Church Service was first class and considering that the Minister had only been in Lauder a few weeks he handled the proceedings well. Nice little church and I ended up nearest to God high in the balcony. Your friends did well with two personal tributes at the side of the coffin, a lot of personal information about - I did not realise that you were so keen on your garden, tatties and all.

From the Church there were many who headed up to the Crematorium at Mortonhall, to join up with many more for a short service before the internment. Lots more Police faces there, more from Penicuik, including the lads from your old team in Penicuik Rugby Club - which was good for me as I used to be their bagman at the matches, wet sponge, cold spray etc.,

I was surprised how many took the trouble to go to the "Wake" at the Tusitala - an immense turnout and tribute to you, where I am sure that Allison, your Mum, Claire, Tom , Brenda and family were able to mingle with people who genuinely cared about you, and relax a bit after a few very stressful days.

I was thinking about the day we took you and RGB on his 16th for dinner and you both ordered Port and Stilton soup, simply get get that wee glass of port !! The day I tried to make you eat veggie burgers and Mrs B had to rescue you. The couple of weeks after you were transferred out to Dalkeith and while on your own regularly popped in for tea and as many biscuits as you could manage !! But I did not realise you had even ridden your bike up to Ullapool and had two fish suppers, back to back as the two chippies on the front by the harbour were so good!! Big Chris thought you were on your way up there to see him last week the day of your accident as you had responded to his "facebook photo" while he was away.

You used to bring Olivia up to see us at the house, now she is a bit concerned as to who will cut the grass and look after the garden, but she is making sure that your rules about stones on the lawn are being stuck to. I am not sure if she managed to write that wee letter to you last week for you to read in quiet times.

RGB made it back from Portugal in time to meet up with everyone at the Crematorium and then to the "wake, he did spot on the display of photographs that you had acquired his No 7 rugby jersey, but don't worry about it - he has plenty more.

So Grahame, that's a few words from me about today, be assured that your many friends and colleagues will do their best to help support Allison , the children and the family in the difficult times ahead.

Say "hi" to your Dad, we miss him as well.

Mr. B