FAMILY and friends were joined by past and present colleagues from the world of journalism to say farewell Kent journalist Barbara Butcher.

The funeral of the Kentish Express reporter in the ancient church of St Gregory and St Martin at Wye, near Ashford, drew people from all walks of life.

Proudly placed on her coffin was her ancient Wilding de lux portable typewriter that churned out millions of words for this newspaper over six decades.

In the front row of the congregation was her beloved Bedlington Terrier Jay with Miss Butcher’s long time companion Audrey Hull.

Miss Butcher, MBE, entered journalism in 1945. She continued in a distinguished full and part-time capacity until her death at the age of 87.

She had requested he funeral not to be morbid and with the choir, including Canterbury Festival director Mark Deller singing with extra gusto, it was entirely appropriate that Jay joined in with dignified solo barks as if to mark the passing of a loyal master.

Three councillors representing the borough, and others from Wye and Hinxhill parish councils, were among those who joined the celebration of her life’s achievements.

Several stalwarts from Wye College through the decades like Donald Sykes and former principal John Prescott, joined Diana Seabrooke, uniformed police officers, and representations of the numerous organisations she freely gave her time to support, to pay their respects.

But above all she would have treasured the fact there were a huge number of ordinary people whose lives she had touched by recording their stories in the Kentish Express.

The Vicar of Wye, the Rev John Richardson, who conducted the service said that in his three years in the village he had worked closely with Miss Butcher and recalled regular Sunday afternoon meetings when she called to collect the parish news.

He said: “With her cigarette, glass of wine, camera, notebook, cough and that old typewriter she was my mole and I was hers.

“Together we were able to sort the village out and her column was the talking point of the parish every Thursday.

“She was an inspiration, an institution and an extraordinary woman who led an amazing life and was respected by all. She was a straightforward person who offered tidal waves of encouragement to so many facing triumph and tragedy.

“We all have our own memories of Barbara but she was a truly respected legend in her own lifetime and will never be forgotten.”

Following the cremation mourners gathered at Wye College where most signed a private book of remembrance with personal messages of appreciation for her life.

The family announced that following a request from Kent Men of the Trees, of which Miss Butcher was a staunch supporter, it would be donating a tree to be planted in Wye Churchyard at a spot where the ashes will be scattered at a later date.