Funeral of much loved and respected bugler Bill Bishop

Mr Bishop from Mabe died on Saturday, August 3 2024, aged 81 peacefully at R.C.H. Treliske with his family around him.

Tom French, chairman of the Parachute Regimental Association - Royal Cornwall Branch, put out the call yesterday on behalf of Bill.

They are inviting everyone that knew him to the funeral on Thursday, August 22 at St Charles the Martyr Church, Falmouth.

“This a general call of support for the late Bugler Bill Bishop and his family,” said Mr French.

“Those of you that knew Bill and his dedication to service and would turn out for anyone's funeral at short notice.”

The funeral will be followed by a reception at Falmouth Rugby Club after a private family cremation at Penmount Truro at 3.30pm.

In March this year, Bill received the Royal British Legion Certificate of Merit in recognition of his 'Long, Distinguished and Loyal Service and Support to the Royal British Legion and Veterans in Cornwall' (Image: Paul Armstrong)

Mr French also said it would be appreciated if standard bearers could attend one, either or both services.

Mr Bishop was married to Vicky and had two children Jane and Sam. He was also proud grandfather of Lerryn, Mia, Flinn and Gabriel and great grandfather of Otto.

In March this year, Bill received the Royal British Legion Certificate of Merit in recognition of his 'Long, Distinguished and Loyal Service and Support to the Royal British Legion and Veterans in Cornwall' which was presented to him after the St Nazaire Remembrance service and parade by Brigadier Jock Fraser MBE ADC RM, Naval Regional Commander Wales and West of England.

It said Bill was a gifted bugler and cherished member of the community, whose unwavering dedication to honouring fallen soldiers and veterans had been a cornerstone of Falmouth’s Remembrance services for over thirty five years.

Since moving to Falmouth in 1988, Bill quickly became a stalwart presence at countless commemorative events, performing the Last Post and Reveille with heartfelt passion and note-perfect precision.

His unwavering commitment to the Royal British Legion, military funerals, and Falmouth civic services, including, most recently, the D-Day commemoration service in June, has left an indelible mark on our town.

Bill's journey with music began at a young age and his love for the bugle was evident in every note he played. His joy for music was not just a personal passion but a gift he shared with the community, bringing comfort and solace to many through his performances.