Our Ash would have loved it! Just as former Daily Express Executive Editor Alan Frame was about to be greeted by Ashley Walton’s widow Joan at the former Express Royal Correspondent’s memorial service reception a flunky shoved a sausage into his hand.

Frambo and other members of the World’s Greatest Lunch Club had joined family, friends and some of Fleet Street’s finest at the service to remember Ashley Walton who died in January, aged 78.

Alan said: ‘Talk about Sod’s Law: I just tried to ignore it and Joan, being Joan, carried on as if nothing was amiss.’

The packed service in Ashley’s home city of St Albans was a joyful, upbeat celebration of his life as a journo, raconteur, author cycling proficiency instructor and charity worker.

His two sons, Ollie and Nic, who had flown from his home in South Africa,  read poems by Christina Rossetti and Anthony Dowson and his cousin, Sheila Longville, shared some lovely family memories. 

Former Expressman and lifelong friend, Tony Boullemier delivered well-received eulogy.

Afterwards a reception featured photos and other memorabilia from Ashley’s career.

Ollie Walton intends to compete in The Great North Run on behalf of Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of his father. Donations via website https://greatnorthrun2023.enthuse.com/pf/oliver-walton or by contacting him on 07905 674109.

Alternatively, donations may be made to Rennie Grove Hospice, Tring.

TRIBUTES TO ASHLEY

EULOGY