AN AUTHOR who was “passionate about everything in Newport” was given a final send-off by a musical group he had founded.

The New Venture Players sang at author Terry Underwood’s funeral yesterday, in front of a huge congregation at Holy Trinity Church.

Family, friends and those whose lives were touched by the 83 year old filled the Christchurch building to capacity, to remember all the good work he did in the city. Mr Underwood, who also launched Newport Pantomime and Musical Society, helped dozens on the path to success, including West End star Jimmy Johnston and singer David Willetts.

Another of his former pupils, Ian Virgo, appeared in the $100m blockbuster Black Hawk Down.

More than 400 mourners listened as pastor Clive Owen, of Wellspring Christian Fellowship , Langstone, spoke of Mr Underwood’s passion for everything he was involved in and for Newport as a whole.

They met around seven years ago when Mr Underwood started attending the church. “He was Newport through and through.

“He never hid from being a Newport boy and I don’t think he knew there was any other place in the world,” he said.

Reverend David Neale, who led the service, read out a touching poem by Mr Underwood’s granddaughter Laura.

The New Venture Players sang The Wind of Change from the musical Sunday Boys and the hymn The Lord’s My Shepherd.

Mr Underwood, who at one time worked for Standard Telephones, became a successful author, writing Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths Around Newport, The City of Newport: The Gateway to Wales and Transporter Bridge Centenary Celebration 1906-2006.

He was heavily involved with the latter tourist attraction, promoting it as much as he could from when he started out as a founder member of its Friends group.

His work with young people culminated in an Extra Mile award from Newport council last year.

The congregation was in full voice singing Bread of Heaven, as his coffin, adorned with a floral tribute in the shape of a cross, began its journey to Christchurch Cemetery.

Coalition talks are continuing

Farewell to Mr Newport NEWPORT said farewell to one of its favourite sons yesterday. More than 400 people packed into the funeral of Terry Underwood – and the huge turnout paid tribute to a man who served his city magnificently.

Terry helped found the New Venture Players, Newport Pantomime and Musical Society and the Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge.

He wrote and directed many stage plays and musicals. He published books about the history of his home city. If anyone deserved the title ‘Mr Newport’ is was Terry Underwood.

Born and bred in Newport he was, as the priest conducting his funeral service yesterday remarked, passionate about everything in the city.

Terry was an inspiration to many and there are some stars of stage and screen like Jimmy Johnston and David Willetts who owe their careers to his talent-spotting skills.

His remarkable work with young people in the city was recognised with an award from the council last year.

Terry achieved more than many of us could do if we were given several lifetimes.

As well as being a terrible loss to his family, Terry Underwood’s passing also leaves a gaping hole at the centre of Newport life.

It would perhaps be fitting if Newport bestowed some suitable posthumous honour on Terry.

Sleep well, Mr Newport.