An incredibly poignant and emotional funeral service unfolded as family, friends and the community joined Luke and Ryan Hart to say farewell to their beloved mum and sister.
Claire (50) and Charlotte Hart (19) were fatally wounded when shot by Claire’s husband and the siblings’ father, Lance, in a tragedy that shocked the nation. He then killed himself in last month’s incident in a car park at Spalding’s Castle Sports Complex.
On Tuesday (August 16), in All Saints’ Church in their home village of Moulton, the Rev Rosamund Seal spoke of the “shock and grief, and confusion of heart” which everyone was feeling.
“It was an unimaginable crime committed against two eminently kind and beautiful women,” she said.
A touching tribute, written by Luke (26) and Ryan (25), was read by the Rev Barbara Hutchinson.
They said of their mum: “Everything good in us is her; everything good we have achieved is because of her influence.”
And of Charlotte, Luke and Ryan said she was “so kind” and “had a wicked sense of humour and a sweet face to deliver such powerful sarcasm.”
There was more brief laughter and smiles among the 400 mourners when they made reference to how Claire and Charlotte’s faces would light up when Christmas came – and with it the playing of Michael Bublé songs “which would often continue into the maturity of spring”.
Then Home – a Bublé song which Claire and Charlotte loved – filled the church.
Tribute was paid to all those in the community who had been affected by the tragedy, including emergency services personnel and Castle Sports Complex staff, and thanks were given to the very many people who had offered support in the four weeks since July 19.
Family friend Kate Haynes was acknowledged for her unstinting support. An appeal, which she started, to give financial support to Luke and Ryan has raised more than £1,600.
She was among family and friends who walked to church, behind the two hearses, from the family home in nearby Hatt Close.
Among the congregation were representatives from the Castle Sports Complex, ward district councillor Rodney Grocock and South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes, who lives in the village.
Mr Hayes said afterwards: “I think it was important that the village, along with all those connected and not connected with these people, had this opportunity to show their care and support.
“The spirit of love shone through.”
A private service for Claire and Charlotte, attended by family and close friends, was held later in the day.
