Jet's funeral.

[David Martin]

Apparently, Jet's funeral will take place at Basingstoke Crematorium, next Thursday. This comes as a strange surprise to me as I lived in Basingstoke 40 years ago. Although I cannot imagine that I will be there, it lends it even more poignancy for me and I will certainly be thinking of Jet next week.

Perhaps I really should add that the first Shadows record I ever heard was the original single of Apache - played for me by a friend in Basingstoke. As I say, strange and very poignant...

Moderator's note: Whilst this information is correct, the ceremony at the crematorium is for family and close friends only. This is because the room itself is small and will not hold a large number of people. A memorial service for everyone who wishes to pay their respects to Jet is being organised in a much larger venue and all will be welcome. A link to an unauthorised press release has also been removed at the request of the family.

Please respect the family's wishes so that they can say their goodbyes in private.

[drakula63]

Thanks for clearing that up.

A shame that the unauthorised press release was able to get out, as it did give the impression that fans would be able to attend the funeral. Still, with so many people clearly wanting to pay their respects, it is nice that a separate memorial service is to be held. I am sure that Jet would be pleased to know that his many fans will be able to pay their respects as well.

The Basingstoke connection is certainly a little strange. Although we had left Basingstoke by 1977, I continued to correspond with one of my old friends, Paul. Anyway, instead of writing letters, we'd often send cassette tapes to each other. On one such tape, Paul had recorded Apache and Quartermasster's Stores. I was hooked immediately and was a Shads fan from that moment on! As a 13 year old boy, I had never heard a record as exciting and, albeit 17 years late, the Shads made a HUGE impression... one that has not been lessened by the passing of the years. So, thanks Jet.

All the best.

Chris.

[David Martin]

Here is the official statement from Janet/Audrey:-

Jet's funeral will be held on Thursday 31 March 2011 at at Basingstoke. Family and close friends only.

Janet is requesting family flowers only. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the "Jet Harris Memorial Fund" - either on the day of the funeral, or send c/o the Funeral Directors, Richard Steele & Partners Ltd, Alderman House, 12-14 City Road, Winchester SO23 8SD. It's also possible to donate by bank transfer. HSBC Branch Sort Code 40-46-39 Account no. 61794353 or for donations outside the UK - Swift Code: MIDLGB22 IBAN: GB64MIDL40463961794353 Account Name: Jet Harris Memorial Fund.

The memorial fund will be kept open for 6 months then, at some suitable date, we will announce its closure and Janet will distribute the money to a cancer charity/charities in memory of Jet.

We hope to organise a public memorial service - details to be announced later.

[neil2726]

Thanks for that we will be thinking of the family and close friends on that day. It would be nice if his ashes were scattered on his beloved Isle of Wight. Jet told me quite a few times that he adored living there.

[Tim]

Thank you David for the information. Much appreciated.
Tim