Trisha Irie (Patricia Green) RIP

I attended Trisha's Funeral last Friday. She was a truly inspirational multi-talented woman, a dramatist, singer, good listener, mentor, counsellor, mother, sister, friend. The attendance in church bore that out. I turned up in a black classical dress and coat with white trousers and white lace head wrap. Just before leaving the house I put my African Liberation shawl in my bag. I forgot to ask about dress code. I was tempting fate by wearing trousers. I frown on trousers in church, being brought up traditional, no women in trousers or bareheaded no red at funerals.  The mourners waiting for Trisha were in colourful African Wear. Some even in Red. Pastor Spence said it's time we stopped wearing black and white to funerals. Old habits die hard though. Getting into church took very long because I know so many people and some hadn't seen me for years. I sat near the front. The first people I spoke to were Thompsons. Reminisce of my teaching days, unsupported tribunal hearing against Birmingham City Council for Racism. The first hymn 'How Great Though Art reminded me of my grandfather's memorial service and previous funerals. It was sung at my once-best friend's (Beverly's) 60th birthday party the previous Saturday. At Trisha's service, I thought they  wanted to sing acapella. It was only during the second hymn I realised that there was no organist. I hoped no one remembered that I was an organist. Sorry Trisha but I was just too tired to volunteer. The church was full of professional singers. I looked forward to drumming but it didn't happen. I got a lift with ex-pupil and friends. The cemetery, Lodge Hill was opposite BCIL office, bad memories of last year trying to keep the office open and people in jobs. My mother was buried in Lodge Hill Cemetery in a pauper's grave. I've only ever been to one funeral there. There was more singing at Trisha's funeral than some I've been to lately. There was no drumming. It was on the Order of Service but didn't happen. After the funeral we went back to Eddie's. A new venue for me. Steps. I don't know if there is an accessible entrance. Was too tired to find out. Never been there B4. I sat at a little table with 2 friends. Throughout the night the occupants changed. Only one guy and I remained at that table all night. Everyone else stayed a while then sat somewhere else. It was weird. I know so many people. I sat next to Pato Banton's mother, Lilian, for hours and was too tired to remember who she was until she said. I tried to leave from about 9 but kept meeting people on the way out and staying to talk to them. Finally just after midnight someone offered to drop me home whilst he talked business. During the day we'd had lovely food, punch. and a concert. The big names were there. Even my ex pupil and taxi driver, Robbie came on stage. Christine Benjamin, Yaz Alexander, Annette B, Abba Zebedee, Shaz, Queen Nefertiti, Skibu, Andy Hamilton, Asher Bi, MaccaB. Other up and coming singers and friends paid tribute to Trisha. My photographer, Mike,  of nearly 30 years came after I texted everyone to tell them where I was. I introduced him to another photographer who took a really good one of me weeks ago. Trisha in death as in life brought people together. She was a Birmingham Mother, a community leader. Lots of networking went on on Friday. People met for the first time and friendships were renewed. Trisha Irie. RIP. We'll miss you but we know you're having a grand time ove in Zion with  the angelic choir.