We just wanted to say a huge thank you to all our customers. It has now been almost a year since Edwin died, and it is down to your loyalty that we have managed to keep the company going.
If you would like to ask for a quote on a transport job please email us using info ‘at’ edwinshirley.com.
We will post the video of Edwin’s memorial soon. Thank you to everyone who helped make the memorial a success. Since then over £3000 has been donated to the Edwin Shirley Bursary at the National Youth Theatre. The NYT was a huge part of Edwin’s life and it is fantastic that so much money has been raised.
Edwin’s memorial will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 19 May, at the Roundhouse in London. It starts at 4pm and will go on until around 9pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
Please consider making a donation to the National Youth Theatre for a new bursary in Edwin’s name. Some of Edwin’s fondest memories were of his time with the NYT, and he remained a supporter throughout his life. The money will be used to support young actors who face financial hardship. Click here to donate.
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Edwin’s funeral took place at St John of Jerusalem, Victoria park, last Friday. We put his coffin on a roadbox with a selection of sunflowers, rosemary and artichokes. You can see the order of service here.
After the funeral everyone was invited to the Royal Inn on the Park, where we raised a glass to Edwin. His body spent the night in the church and was taken to Kent the following morning. I drove him down along the route he typically took on his way to Europe. Along with his partner Marg, we listened to Radio 4 as he always did. After stopping briefly at his mum’s old house, we took him to the churchyard and buried him next to his daughter Rachael.
The vicar spoke briefly. Family friend, Wendy French, read a short segment from W H Auden’s If I Could Tell You:
Time will say nothing but I told you so, Time only knows the price we have to pay; If I could tell you I would let you know.
If we should weep when clowns put on their show, If we should stumble when musicians play, Time will say nothing but I told you so.
There was a light rain. The church bells rang. We left.
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I have started compiling all the tributes to Edwin that we have received. You can see them here.
Finally, here is a short silent film Edwin made at School:
Edwin’s funeral will be held in the next few days. Please email info at edwinshirley.com if you were friends with Edwin and would like the details.
Instead of sending flowers please consider making a donation to the National Youth Theatre for a new bursary in Edwin’s name. This wonderful organisation was very close to Edwin’s heart. The money will be used to support young actors. Click here to donate.
We also suggest going to see one of the NYT’s plays this season, and raising a glass to Edwin in the bar afterwards.
If you knew Edwin just a little but would still like the chance to remember him, then please come to his memorial on May 19th. We will post a notice here as soon as we know the exact time and other details.
We are currently compiling photographs and anecdotes to use at Edwin’s memorial. Please consider doing one or more of the following.
Record a video anecdote and send it to us to use for the memorial.
Email us photos you have of Edwin.
Email us an anecdote to print in the book we are putting together.
The email address to use is info at edwinshirley.com.
Also feel free to leave comments on this website, with memories or stories that you would like to share. We will also use these for the book if you find that easier than emailing.
I will continue to add links to this page as they are published.
We have been overwhelmed by the volume of messages received, as well as by their warmth and sincerity. These have been a comfort to the Shirley and Pascoe families over the past week.
We will shortly be announcing details of Edwin’s memorial.
It is with a completely broken heart that I have to tell you that Edwin died yesterday, 16th April.
He had been suffering from cancer and undergoing a gruelling chemotherapy regime, but yesterday his body gave in. He died whilst undergoing a procedure to find out where he was having some internal bleeding, but during this he had a catastrophic bleed and his heart could not take it.
He loved his work and particularly all the great people we worked with.
I am writing to say that for now I intend to keep his company going if possible as that is what he would expect of me. He worked so hard even when he was feeling terrible with the chemotherapy as it was his reason for living. Even to the very end he was full of energy and talking about the next business plan. He was an extraordinary man and was loved by many.
In the next few days I will write and let everyone know what the arrangements are for Edwin’s funeral.
I wanted to thank you for all your support over the years. It meant a great deal to Edwin.
