Rob says goodbye

A THORNBURY man was the guest of honour at his own funeral, after being told he has months to live.

Aerospace engineer Rob Hale, who is 33, arranged the “living funeral” to say goodbye to friends and family.

Rob has been fighting cancer for two years – but in December was told he only has months to live. So he decided he wanted to hold a special event and “go with a smile”.

Friends and family gathered at Cattle Country, near Berkeley – an old favourite with Rob for family outings when he was a child.

Rob said the living funeral was his way of thanking those around him.

He said: "I'd never seen or heard of one before so I really didn't have any expectations but I was blown away by the love and kindness everyone showed me.

Turn to page 3

Property experts working in the Thornbury property market since the early 1980’s, coping with fast markets, slow markets, boom or recession but always working our hardest to achieve the absolute best for our clients.

Please contact Rowena Moncrieffe for further details…

'Callous' scam

A DOG owner has warned other pet lovers not to fall prey to criminals who demand money in return for missing pets.

PAGE 5

Buses on demand

A NEW 'on-demand' transport service enabling people in the Thornbury area to 'hail' a minibus will be launched this year - as some subsidised services are cut.

PAGE 4

Arsonist jailed

A MAN who destroyed 12 vehicles belonging to a charity serving people in the Thornbury area has been jailed.

PAGE 6

Lotto win

VILLAGERS are celebrating after their community hall won a lottery grant of nearly £100,000.

PAGE 9