Birds seen as poignant 'sign'at star Mike's funeral

TWO small birds captivated friends and fans during Thursday's "spot on perfect" funeral for Mike Peters.

- By DAVID POWELL and ANDREW FORGRAVE

One caused a ripple of excitement when it joined the star-studded congregation in Dyserth, the Denbighshire village the rock musician lived in.

Later, in the cemetery, a robin alighted near Mike’s graveside. In Celtic mythology, the robin was a symbol of passion as well as new beginnings - they were believed to bring messages of hope and rebirth.

Mourners flew in from the USA and around the world for the moving and eloquent service at St Bridget and St Cwyfan Church. Some 24 speakers offered tributes, memories and music during the almost two-and-a-half-hour service.

There were tears but also plenty of laughter as friends and relatives remembered a life well lived. At one point, heads turned when a bird fluttered over the altar and landed on one of Mike's guitars. Perched next to Mike's widow Jules and her two boys, it remained almost motionless for quite some time, as if listening to the service.