We are here today to celebrate the life of Eddie Carter described by some of his many friends as a character, a one-off, and a lovable rogue. Eddie was a passionate man, the way he threw himself into his various interests was proof of this. Eddie married Gil in the mid sixties, and together they raised two children, Julie and Paul. During their early childhood Eddie was an avid Stock car driver, hurling himself into his hobby, and spending many hours travelling to races, and racing, and even more working on the cars in his garage. He was quite successful, attaining and racing as a red-top for several seasons. It is nice to see some of his friends made at that time here today. Then came his interest in birds – the feathered kind. Once again full commitment to the hobby, with a well built birdroom, fully equipped. Again he had success, with many winning birds at both local and National level. Here too he made many friends and testimony to that is their presence here today. Another of Eddie’s interests was Country Music, he bought himself DJ equipment, and worked the Norwich Country Music Club, run by his late friends Bob and Pat Steward. Then he ran a club locally, along with Clarence Lakey. Whilst attending a Pontins’ Festival he learnt there was an opportunity to take over the concession to sell records at their festivals, and yet another chapter started in his life. In the late eighties Eddie and Gil separated and he left the Fens and went up north to live. He was still working the country music scene, working Festivals from Cornwall to Ayr, but he could not settle and after five years came back to his beloved Fens. Shortly after this he met Linda, and they became true friends, two years later Linda moved here, and together they shared many interests especially birds and country music. In the late nineties the years of stock car driving began to show, and Eddie suffered with an extremely bad back. He sold his music business, and then looked round for something to fill the void. He had always loved his American motors, and now he realised his dreams and bought and sold several Cadillacs, Day Vans, and Pick-up trucks. Next came travel, and in the following years he and Linda had several touring holidays in the States, driving over 10,000 miles and covering some 17 States. On their last trip they visited Nashville and spent an evening at the Grand Old Opry. Eddie was a big man with a big heart, and he will be remembered for his humour, his anecdotes, his no-nonsense approach to life but most of all for the loyalty and friendship he gave to many. He will be greatly missed.