Dad's Army star Ian Lavender remembered in Woolpit funeral

The Birmingham-born actor, who made the village of Woolpit, near Bury St Edmunds, his home, was the last remaining main cast member from the wartime-set BBC show, died on Friday, February 2. 

He was best known for playing the hapless Pike, who frequently had run-ins with Captain George Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) and was famous for calling him "Stupid Boy".

In the series, the young Pike was looked after by his Uncle Arthur, Sergeant Arthur Wilson (John Le Mesurier).

Ian Lavender's coffin, with hat and scarf in nod to Dad's Army (Image: Charlotte Bond)

On Thursday, February 29, a funeral service for Ian Lavender was held at St Mary’s Church in Woolpit and stars, including Rick Wakeman, former member of the band Yes, singer Alfie Boe and Tim Healy, of Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Benidorm fame, were in attendance. 

Led by Reverend Ruth Farrell, the congregation heard tributes from film director son Sam Lavender and musician Rick Wakeman. Later in the service, Mr Wakeman and Alfie Boe performed a rendition of Bring Him Home. 

Tim Healy at Ian Lavender's funeral in Woolpit on Thursday (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Hymns included Dear Lord and Father of Mankind and Lord of All Hopefullness and, on departure to the churchyard for committal, the Dad's Army theme was played on the organ. 

Alfie Boe at Ian Lavender's funeral (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Other nods to his Dad's Army fame came in the form of an army hat and claret and blue scarf, the colours of Mr Lavender's own favourite football team Aston Villa, which were worn by his character during the show and which were placed on top of his coffin. 

Ian Lavender's coffin entering St Mary's Church in Woolpit (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mr Lavender also played Derek Harkinson, a gay friend of Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) in BBC One soap EastEnders from 2001 to 2005.

Rick Wakeman and Graham Cole (Image: Charlotte Bond)

He returned to Walford in 2016 but left in 2017 after he became ill with sepsis, having previously battled cancer and suffered a heart attack.

He was well-known in the village of Woolpit, with many residents attending on Thursday to pay their respects, and was a supporter of the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust.

Ian Lavender's family, including wife Miki Hardy (Image: Charlotte Bond)

He also revealed it was the local church that had convinced him to move to Woolpit. 

Reverend Ruth Farrell, who led the funeral service (Image: Charlotte Bond)

In the 1970s, Dad's Army regularly attracted more than 18 million viewers, becoming one of the most-watched television programmes of its time.

Ian Lavender's funeral was held on Thursday, February 29 (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Dad's Army was written by the late David Croft OBE who was also behind hit series including Are You Being Served?, Hi-de-Hi! and 'Allo 'Allo!