Latest news with #TheAlarm
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Bird lands on Mike Peters's guitar during his funeral
The bird, identified as a Dipper - a short-tailed, stout bird, made its appearance when James Chippendale, co-founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, was paying tribute to his friend during the service at held on Thursday, May 29 at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan in Dyserth. Mike's wife Jules and Love Hope Strength both shared a reflective post on social media which said: "At Mike Peters' funeral James Chippendale, Mike and Jules' great friend and co-founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, spoke about the hope Mike gave people. Just at that point in the service a dipper bird flew into the church and perched on a guitar near James. That particular guitar was one of Mike's favourites. "It's been suggested that a bird flying into a church during a funeral service is 'a positive omen, a sign of the departed soul's journey to peace'. Rather wonderfully, some of those watching the bird suggested it seemed to be dancing when Dafydd Iwan sang 'Yma o Hyd'. "In addition, when Jules and family were at Mike's grave, a robin appeared. In Celtic Mythology, 'birds are considered intermediaries between the earthly and spiritual worlds. The robin, in particular, was believed to carry messages from deceased loved ones, bridging the gap between life and death'. "Whether you believe in the symbolism of birds at funerals or not, given Mike's love of nature and the outdoors this was a beautiful addition to a memorable day. "The day had been planned carefully, but this dipper bird has captivated the imaginations of many, showing that sometimes it's the things over which we have no control that have the power to make a moment in time feel even more special." Thousands turned out for The Alarm frontman's funeral on Thursday and more than 100,000 people have watched the celebration of Mike's life on YouTube. Many fans took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the bird, with many saying they hoped it had brought the family comfort. RELATED STORIES: One person said: "There was a big gasp in the crowd outside when the bird flew in and settled there - a wonderful moment." Another person wrote: "I totally believe in nature, especially birds, bridging the gap between loved ones. I hope it has bought comfort." David Weeks said: "The day before, a bunch of us did the waterfall hike and there was a dipper bird that just sat there while we were in the bridge. I was expecting it to fly away when we got closer but he didn't." Another said: "I noticed immediately while watching on YouTube - it was a sign, it had meaning, it had a purpose." The talented and beloved frontman of The Alarm died aged 66 from blood cancer on April 29. Mike, along with James, co-founded the Love Hope Strength Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for cancer centres around the world through music-related events and promotions and registers donors for the International Bone Marrow Registry. James said: "Mike didn't just sing strength, he built a movement around it. He instilled it in the boys, he lived it."
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Bird lands on Mike Peters's guitar during his funeral
The bird, identified as a Dipper - a short-tailed, stout bird, made its appearance when James Chippendale, co-founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, was paying tribute to his friend during the service at held on Thursday, May 29 at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan in Dyserth. Mike's wife Jules and Love Hope Strength both shared a reflective post on social media which said: "At Mike Peters' funeral James Chippendale, Mike and Jules' great friend and co-founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, spoke about the hope Mike gave people. Just at that point in the service a dipper bird flew into the church and perched on a guitar near James. That particular guitar was one of Mike's favourites. "It's been suggested that a bird flying into a church during a funeral service is 'a positive omen, a sign of the departed soul's journey to peace'. Rather wonderfully, some of those watching the bird suggested it seemed to be dancing when Dafydd Iwan sang 'Yma o Hyd'. "In addition, when Jules and family were at Mike's grave, a robin appeared. In Celtic Mythology, 'birds are considered intermediaries between the earthly and spiritual worlds. The robin, in particular, was believed to carry messages from deceased loved ones, bridging the gap between life and death'. "Whether you believe in the symbolism of birds at funerals or not, given Mike's love of nature and the outdoors this was a beautiful addition to a memorable day. "The day had been planned carefully, but this dipper bird has captivated the imaginations of many, showing that sometimes it's the things over which we have no control that have the power to make a moment in time feel even more special." Thousands turned out for The Alarm frontman's funeral on Thursday and more than 100,000 people have watched the celebration of Mike's life on YouTube. Many fans took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the bird, with many saying they hoped it had brought the family comfort. RELATED STORIES: One person said: "There was a big gasp in the crowd outside when the bird flew in and settled there - a wonderful moment." Another person wrote: "I totally believe in nature, especially birds, bridging the gap between loved ones. I hope it has bought comfort." David Weeks said: "The day before, a bunch of us did the waterfall hike and there was a dipper bird that just sat there while we were in the bridge. I was expecting it to fly away when we got closer but he didn't." Another said: "I noticed immediately while watching on YouTube - it was a sign, it had meaning, it had a purpose." The talented and beloved frontman of The Alarm died aged 66 from blood cancer on April 29. Mike, along with James, co-founded the Love Hope Strength Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for cancer centres around the world through music-related events and promotions and registers donors for the International Bone Marrow Registry. James said: "Mike didn't just sing strength, he built a movement around it. He instilled it in the boys, he lived it."
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Fan travels 4,000 miles to pay last respects to Mike Peters
David made the journey from the Middle East, where he currently lives, to attend the funeral in Mike's hometown of Dyserth. The service was held on Thursday, May 29 at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan. Although entry to the church was by invitation only, thousands of fans lined Waterfall Road, where a large screen had been set up outside to broadcast the service. The gathering became a moving celebration of Mike's life and legacy. David said: 'It was important to me because The Alarm and Mike have been such a significant part of my life. 'Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, and Mike helped me through so much - especially during the lowest point in my life. He personally gave me hope. David travelled an incredible distance to pay his last respects to Mike. Mike had a big impact on David (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) "I was very lucky to have Mike in my life." Talking about how lovely it was to see the turn out for Mike, David said: "It is a gathering to celebrate Mike's life but for many people this is also a moment of closing. To be here and support the family, to support everything he represents and the effect that he has made on people's lives will live on for generations." Sisters Claire and Jo travelled from York and Derbyshire. Claire said: "My big sister Jo introduced me to The Alarm in 1988 and they really spoke to me. Throughout my life, they enabled me to keep positive and to keep strong and keep moving forward. I think, because he has held me up so much in my life it was important for me to come and pay my respects today." Sisters Claire and Jo (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Steph from the Lincolnshire Coast said: "I have been an Alarm fan since the mid 80s but Mike, through Love Hope Strength, really convinced me that I could do things I thought I couldn't do and he never gave up on people even when we were giving up on ourselves. Steph wanted to come for closure and to pay her last respect to 'a legend' (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) "I just thought I needed to come and have the closure and pay my last respects to a legend." Rachel Knol travelled from the Netherlands. Her partner Andi Badge was Mike's Lighting Engineer for 15 Years. They have both been fans since the 80s. Rachel Knol, who travelled from the Netherlands, pictured with her partner Andi Badge (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Rachel and Andi have been together for 10 years. Andi said: "He gave me a chance to travel the world. Over the years, The Alarm has been so important. All the friendships, all the memories, it feels like family." Chris Salt from Burts Taxis (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Chris Salt from Burts Taxis spent the morning transporting fans from Prestatyn Train Station to Dyserth for the service. He finished his duties early; he is a huge Alarm fan and wanted to attend the funeral and celebrate Mike's life. He recalled seeing the band perform a young man. Mike's wife Jules and sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18, issued an open 'come a are you are' invitation to Mike's funeral. The talented and beloved musician died aged 66 from blood cancer on April 29. During the two-hour service, emotional tributes were paid to Mike as well as reflections, readings, and music. Opera singer Rhys Meirion, who is being treated for cancer and had undergone an operation just 10 days ago, delivered a beautiful rendition of the Welsh song Anfonaf Angel and friend and collaborator Billy Duffy played 'Fade In Fade Out Fade Away' along to Mike's vocals. Mike's wife Jules and sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18, were applauded by fans as they walked into the church. The crowd parted to allow the family to walk through. Jules clutched a single red rose and Evan carried his father's ashes.
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Fan travels 4,000 miles to pay last respects to Mike Peters
David made the journey from the Middle East, where he currently lives, to attend the funeral in Mike's hometown of Dyserth. The service was held on Thursday, May 29 at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan. Although entry to the church was by invitation only, thousands of fans lined Waterfall Road, where a large screen had been set up outside to broadcast the service. The gathering became a moving celebration of Mike's life and legacy. David said: 'It was important to me because The Alarm and Mike have been such a significant part of my life. 'Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, and Mike helped me through so much - especially during the lowest point in my life. He personally gave me hope. David travelled an incredible distance to pay his last respects to Mike. Mike had a big impact on David (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) "I was very lucky to have Mike in my life." Talking about how lovely it was to see the turn out for Mike, David said: "It is a gathering to celebrate Mike's life but for many people this is also a moment of closing. To be here and support the family, to support everything he represents and the effect that he has made on people's lives will live on for generations." Sisters Claire and Jo travelled from York and Derbyshire. Claire said: "My big sister Jo introduced me to The Alarm in 1988 and they really spoke to me. Throughout my life, they enabled me to keep positive and to keep strong and keep moving forward. I think, because he has held me up so much in my life it was important for me to come and pay my respects today." Sisters Claire and Jo (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Steph from the Lincolnshire Coast said: "I have been an Alarm fan since the mid 80s but Mike, through Love Hope Strength, really convinced me that I could do things I thought I couldn't do and he never gave up on people even when we were giving up on ourselves. Steph wanted to come for closure and to pay her last respect to 'a legend' (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) "I just thought I needed to come and have the closure and pay my last respects to a legend." Rachel Knol travelled from the Netherlands. Her partner Andi Badge was Mike's Lighting Engineer for 15 Years. They have both been fans since the 80s. Rachel Knol, who travelled from the Netherlands, pictured with her partner Andi Badge (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Rachel and Andi have been together for 10 years. Andi said: "He gave me a chance to travel the world. Over the years, The Alarm has been so important. All the friendships, all the memories, it feels like family." Chris Salt from Burts Taxis (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Chris Salt from Burts Taxis spent the morning transporting fans from Prestatyn Train Station to Dyserth for the service. He finished his duties early; he is a huge Alarm fan and wanted to attend the funeral and celebrate Mike's life. He recalled seeing the band perform a young man. Mike's wife Jules and sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18, issued an open 'come a are you are' invitation to Mike's funeral. The talented and beloved musician died aged 66 from blood cancer on April 29. During the two-hour service, emotional tributes were paid to Mike as well as reflections, readings, and music. Opera singer Rhys Meirion, who is being treated for cancer and had undergone an operation just 10 days ago, delivered a beautiful rendition of the Welsh song Anfonaf Angel and friend and collaborator Billy Duffy played 'Fade In Fade Out Fade Away' along to Mike's vocals. Mike's wife Jules and sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18, were applauded by fans as they walked into the church. The crowd parted to allow the family to walk through. Jules clutched a single red rose and Evan carried his father's ashes.
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Fan travels 4,000 miles to pay last respects to Mike Peters
David made the journey from the Middle East, where he currently lives, to attend the funeral in Mike's hometown of Dyserth. The service was held on Thursday, May 29 at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan. Although entry to the church was by invitation only, thousands of fans lined Waterfall Road, where a large screen had been set up outside to broadcast the service. The gathering became a moving celebration of Mike's life and legacy. David said: 'It was important to me because The Alarm and Mike have been such a significant part of my life. 'Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, and Mike helped me through so much - especially during the lowest point in my life. He personally gave me hope. David travelled an incredible distance to pay his last respects to Mike. Mike had a big impact on David (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) "I was very lucky to have Mike in my life." Talking about how lovely it was to see the turn out for Mike, David said: "It is a gathering to celebrate Mike's life but for many people this is also a moment of closing. To be here and support the family, to support everything he represents and the effect that he has made on people's lives will live on for generations." Sisters Claire and Jo travelled from York and Derbyshire. Claire said: "My big sister Jo introduced me to The Alarm in 1988 and they really spoke to me. Throughout my life, they enabled me to keep positive and to keep strong and keep moving forward. I think, because he has held me up so much in my life it was important for me to come and pay my respects today." Sisters Claire and Jo (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Steph from the Lincolnshire Coast said: "I have been an Alarm fan since the mid 80s but Mike, through Love Hope Strength, really convinced me that I could do things I thought I couldn't do and he never gave up on people even when we were giving up on ourselves. Steph wanted to come for closure and to pay her last respect to 'a legend' (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) "I just thought I needed to come and have the closure and pay my last respects to a legend." Rachel Knol travelled from the Netherlands. Her partner Andi Badge was Mike's Lighting Engineer for 15 Years. They have both been fans since the 80s. Rachel Knol, who travelled from the Netherlands, pictured with her partner Andi Badge (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Rachel and Andi have been together for 10 years. Andi said: "He gave me a chance to travel the world. Over the years, The Alarm has been so important. All the friendships, all the memories, it feels like family." Chris Salt from Burts Taxis (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Chris Salt from Burts Taxis spent the morning transporting fans from Prestatyn Train Station to Dyserth for the service. He finished his duties early; he is a huge Alarm fan and wanted to attend the funeral and celebrate Mike's life. He recalled seeing the band perform a young man. Mike's wife Jules and sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18, issued an open 'come a are you are' invitation to Mike's funeral. The talented and beloved musician died aged 66 from blood cancer on April 29. During the two-hour service, emotional tributes were paid to Mike as well as reflections, readings, and music. Opera singer Rhys Meirion, who is being treated for cancer and had undergone an operation just 10 days ago, delivered a beautiful rendition of the Welsh song Anfonaf Angel and friend and collaborator Billy Duffy played 'Fade In Fade Out Fade Away' along to Mike's vocals. Mike's wife Jules and sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18, were applauded by fans as they walked into the church. The crowd parted to allow the family to walk through. Jules clutched a single red rose and Evan carried his father's ashes.
