After ten consecutive rainy days the sun shone brightly on Wednesday morning which meant that Norman Barker's funeral could be held on the pitch at The Valley with family, friends, club staff and supporters seated in the West Stand.
Club chaplain Matt Baker conducted what was a very moving ceremony which began with the pall bearers carrying Norman in to the strains of "The Red Red Robin". Nathan Jones, Karoy Anderson and Conor Coventry were in attendance along with many members of club and CACT staff.
Norm's sister Lorna remembered Norm as an older brother who loved his family and who was particularly proud of his nieces and nephew. She described the annual ritual of trying to tie Norm down about the family Christmas Day celebration which was always at the mercy of his arrangements for the Boxing Day fixture. She said that he always made it but sometimes had to leave early to get a good night's sleep before an early start to catch the coach. She said that his family were very aware that Charlton Athletic was Norm's other family and that they sometimes found themselves asking which came first. She described him not only as a gentleman but also as a gentle fan.
Paul Elliott described Norm as a role model - particularly for ethnic minority supporters back in the 1980s. He said how he was proud of "English football at its best" when fans not only from Charlton but also from Middlesbrough, Birmingham, Portsmouth and around the country voiced their tributes to Norm. He recounted some of the memories of members of the CAFC Reminiscence Group - of which Norm was a member. These memories often involved away travel and the relief of knowing that you must be in the right place if you spotted Norm. If you didn't know the way, he would always be happy to guide you and he was usually one of the last to leave, having generously applauded the players off.
We sang the hymn "Lord of all Hopefulness" - a very apt choice for Charlton fans. Norm's niece Venetia brilliantly sang the first verse solo which was extremely moving.
We watched the video of Norm which had been shown at the Middlesbrough game. It had been difficult on that occasion to hear what he was saying because of the applause ringing round the ground but now we heard him describing how he had encountered Charlton Athletic as a teenager and how he had loved being a supporter for the next fifty years. He recommended everyone to come down to The Valley and join him.
Matt Baker read from the book of Ephesians and gave an address in which he referenced the oak tree planted at The Valley in 2018 in remembrance of players and staff who had lost their lives in the First World War. In particular he drew our attention to how its roots provide stability and strength and how such roots bind us all together and with Norm.
We stood while Norman left the pitch to the sound of Bob Marley's "One Love".
By this time over sixty Charlton pigeons had gathered respectfully in the Covered End penalty area and, as the music faded and Norm was carried out of the stadium, we heard the distinctive sound of a robin calling from somewhere behind the Alan Curbishley stand.
R.I.P Norm
Norm's family have asked that, if you would like to make a donation in Norman's memory, please do so to Charlton Athletic Community Trust: