The great and the good of the BBC and the political world turned out in force to celebrate the life of the corporation's legendary political editor and former Guardian deputy editor John Cole on Thursday at St. Bride's church on Fleet Street. They included Huw Edwards and John Sergeant – who both gave addresses – Jon Sopel and corporation newcomer James Harding. Music included Ode to Joy and West Ham anthem I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles. BBC director general Tony Hall did a reading from Revelations which included the verses: "And he that sat upon the throne said, behold I make all things new. And he said unto me, write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, it is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end." Appropriate words, Monkey reckons.
