Final farewell to Gerald Bradshaw as funeral cortège passes the Danish Invader pub in Stamford

More than 100 people gathered at the Danish Invader pub in Stamford this afternoon (Friday, August 28) to say a final farewell to Gerald Bradshaw.

'Braddie', as he was know to regulars, was a well-loved man who enjoyed local football, his local pub and the company of others. He died earlier this month, aged 81.

Although Covid-19 restrictions meant his funeral was restricted to family members, those who knew Gerald turned out in force to pay tribute to 'a Stamford legend'.

Jim Jackson from the Stamford branch of the Royal British Legion led the funeral cortège through the pub grounds as people applauded and the song 'That's Amore' played. Gerald was remembered fondly for singing the Dean Martin classic on karaoke nights at the pub.

David Walker, who had known Gerald and his brother, Colin, for 50 years said they had played football together as young men and they had remained life-long friends, still enjoying the occasional drink together at the Danish Invader before lockdown.

"It was a lovely send off for a lovely man," he said.

Alfred Cuschieri and his wife, Angela, were also there to say goodbye to Gerald.

"You could not meet a nicer bloke and I think he would have been pleased with this send off," said Alfred. "May he rest in peace."

Graham Cooke MBE, who served in the RAF, knew Gerald, who had served in the Navy, because they were both locals at the Danish Invader.

"Every time he came into the pub he would come over and say hello," said Graham. "My father was in the Navy, and Gerald would love talking about the Navy.

"He was one of life's gentlemen and a genuinely good bloke. It's so nice to see an ordinary man like him receiving such a good send off."

Richard Hopkins said his father, Gary Hopkins, used to see Gerald at Daniels football games. "He would never walk by without asking if our family was all right," said Joanne Hopkins.

To read a full tribute to Gerald Bradshaw, click here.