Keiron Root

Today I had the sad pleasure of attending the memorial service for Keiron Root, long term editor of What Investment magazine (London) that took place at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street. (Funnily enough I was married at St Bride's once in a day but that's another story). Keiron died too young (47) but was well supported by a church packed to the pews by relatives, friends from university - including one of the priests officiating at the service, by members of his cricket club and the amateur dramatic society he supported and, unsurpsingly by a good number of the London-based (investment ) press and by PRs.

It was a fine event and, as always with St Brides, the choir were excellent and led the congregation in three rousing hymns including Jerusalem as well as singing sonmgs such as 'If I were a Rich Man' from Fiddler on the Roof and Flanders and Swann's 'The Gasman Cometh'.

I have to say the post-service session in the pub (The George on Strand) wasn't all it might have been due, it seemed to a misunderstanding of the numbers likely to descend on this hostelry at 12.30. There was one heroic barmaid serving and the beer ran out almost immediately which would hardly have pleased Mr Root who was, among many other tributes, known for his enthusiasm for real ale.