CBBL News
Mr Alfred George Triggs
Alfie Triggs, as so many people knew him as, sadly passed away on Monday 10th November 2008, aged 86 years, and his funeral took place at the Medway Crematorium, on Friday 28th November at 12.20. The weather was not good with light but steady rain falling, as the funeral cortege entered the grounds of the Crematorium, there to be met by a lone Piper from the Royal British Legion, who played a lament as the hearse bearing his body slowly made it's way to the chapel. There to greet the coffin were two standard bearers from the Royal British Legion, signifying the association Alf had with the organisation.
The coffin was draped with the Union Flag, signifying the passing of a military man, with a beret on top of the Parachute Regiment, and medals won in campaigns during the Second World War. A wreath of poppies also lay on top of the coffin from the Royal British Legion.
The mourners entered the chapel, led by Alf's widow Gladys, the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and when the flag draped coffin entered the chapel, there were no seats to be had, such was the esteem he was held in.
Music played as everybody entered the chapel, and significantly, it was the song " Alfie " from the film of the same name, sung by Cilla Black.
The service started with a prayer, and a reading, and the Vicar then described Alf's life, from being born in the North East of England, and living his early years in that area. He married the proverbial Girl next door, Gladys, and they were married for 63 years. Alf enlisted into the Army, and served with the Glider battalion at Arnhem, and also in the Royal Corps of Signals. His association with the Royal British Legion came as a result of the military service he had. Serving the country with courage, and distinction through the War years, and then serving the Royal British Legion, actively supporting the annual Poppy Appeal, and had the great honour and distinction of carrying the British Legion Standard at the Royal Albert Hall during the Service of Remembrance which always precedes the Remembrance Sunday Services around the country, and around the world.
Back in Civilian life, he was involved with the furniture trade, and managed shops in and around the Medway Towns for many years before retirement. Also a keen carpenter, and maker of things wooden, he often made furniture, and models from various items of wood in the little shed he had in his garden. Many of the things he made are still in use today, with family and friends.
His social life revolved around the game of Bar Billiards, and there is many a player today who has been on the receiving end of a beating by Alf, but also there is many a player today who have their skills thanks to the dedication and teaching of him.
The highlight of his Bar Billiards Career, and there are many, was capturing the County singles title many years ago, and also going to Jersey, where he played, and defeated the then Champion Bernie McCluskey, in the second round.
As age began to take it's heavy toll, both he and Glad moved from Elaine Avenue to St. Margarets Street, into British Legion property, which was warden controlled, but still took an active part in the Poppy Appeal every year.
Unfortunately, this year of 2008 saw Alf's health begin to deteriorate, and he spent some time in Medway Maritime Hospital for differing illnesses, and problems. It was during the last admission to the Hospital that saw him finally lose the battle for life, and he died peacefully with his Wife, and Daughter by his bedside.
MAY YOU NOW REST IN PEACE, NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN BY THOSE WHO PLAY AND GRACE THE GAME OF BAR BILLIARDS.
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