Hundreds turn up for popular Weymouth musician's funeral

The Weymouth drummer died of degenerative Motor Neurone Disease, aged 49 and was buried holding his drumsticks and wearing a football shirt given to him by his beloved West Ham United on their recent trip to play Weymouth.

His brother Stuart gave a speech during the service at Holy Trinity Church and afterwards friends and family at Spencer’s farewell party in the Ocean Room at Weymouth Pavilion said the day was ‘a lovely celebration of his life’.

His mum Mary, 67, thanked friends for coming from as far away as Australia.

She said: “It was lovely to see so many of his friends here and everybody agreed that it was a lovely service.”

Among those Spencer leaves behind are his wife Nicky and sons Samuel, aged eight, and Isaac, aged four, as well as his father Steve.

He played in bands in Weymouth and many of his old friends and teammates came from his days as goalkeeper for the all-conquering Wyke Smugglers football team who went three seasons without losing a match.

Shaun Scammell, 42, of Winfrith Newburgh, said: “He was a cracking bloke and such fun. I’ll always remember him for his sense of humour.

“Today has brought a lot of people together and Spencer wouldn’t have wanted it any different.”

Scott Simmonds also took the chance to remember their days playing football together.

The 43-year-old, of Grove Avenue, Weymouth, said: “He loved life and always made people smile. And if you were ever in the doldrums he would pull you out.”

Kate Seymour, 39, of Maple Close, Preston, added: “An amazing number of people liked him and valued his friendship. It was a beautiful service and one of the best funerals I’ve ever been to. It was a lovely celebration of his life.”

Friend Jon-Paul O’Connell, 40, said: “Stuart was incredibly brave to do a fantastic job with his speech. It was very emotional for him and everybody.”

Gemma Ayles, 32, from Chickerell, added: “It was a hard day but it was lovely and I think he would’ve been proud.”

Drummer raised £25k for charity

SPENCER Bates raised £25,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association by organising the Spenstock concerts and when he was too ill his son Samuel stepped up to the microphone and sang.

He inspired friends and family to raise another £15,000 and another Spenstock is being arranged for April, 2012. His brother Stuart raised more than £8,000 in honour of Spencer by rowing 100 miles up the River Thames.

Spencer, a former Weymouth Grammar School pupil, worked as a builder before he was diagnosed with the disease two years ago.

He played drums for Weymouth bands including Balance of Power, Blow and Tina Turner tribute band The Best.