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Motorbikes fill the streets of Norwich for funeral of popular grandmother Twiggy Holland
The motorbikes in procession behind the hearse for Twiggy Holland's funeral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2016
A bike-mad grandmother had a fitting send off as a horde of bikes flanked her funeral procession.
Twiggy Holland's helmet on her coffin at her funeral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2016
Twiggy Holland, nee Alden, 64, from Montgomery Close in Bowthorpe, Norwich, died on November 6 from cancer.
Her funeral happened today and her coffin was followed by about 50 motorbike riders from Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex from her home to Earlham Crematorium.
Twiggy Holland, 64, who died from cancer on November 6 2016. Picture: DAVID HOLLAND - Credit: Archant
Vehicles in the escort which travelled around 20mph included cruisers and choppers as well as Harley-Davidsons.
Her husband, David 'Bear' Holland, 68, who is also a keen biker, said: 'All you could hear was a roar of Harley-Davidsons.
The motorbikes in procession behind the hearse for Twiggy Holland's funeral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2016
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'The escort was fantastic. There were lots of people on the street watching the procession. The motorbike riders who took part loved it. They said it was one of the best biker funerals they have been to.'
As a touching tribute to Mrs Holland, her helmet which featured a pink mohican was placed on the coffin.
The motorbikes in procession behind the hearse for Twiggy Holland's funeral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2016
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She was affectionately known as nanny pink by relatives because she sometimes had a pink mohican.
Mrs Holland used the name Twiggy because she admired the 1960s model.
Twiggy Holland's helmet on her coffin at her funeral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2016
The crematorium chapel was filled with relatives as well as her biking family.
Her husband read the poem Do not stand at my grave and weep and one of her three daughters read the poem She is Gone.
The motorbikes in procession behind the hearse for Twiggy Holland's funeral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2016
Mr Holland said: 'It was a very uplifting service. It was heartbreaking at the start but people came out all happy which she would have wanted.'
Mrs Holland was born in Tuckswood, Norwich, but grew up in the city's Heartsease area.
Family and friends follow the hearse for Twiggy Holland's funeral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2016
After leaving school she worked in a paint factory and bottling plant in Norwich.
She had two sons and three daughters from two previous marriages and 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Family and friends follow the hearse for Twiggy Holland's funeral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2016
As well as loving motorbikes, she was a keen knitter and home decorator.
She met Mr Holland in August 1993 after months of writing to him.
He added: 'As soon as I met her I knew what a warm-hearted and beautiful person she was. They broke the mould when she was born.'
Mr Holland, originally from London, put in a lonely hearts-style advert in the biking magazine Back Street Heroes and his future wife responded.
The pair married at Norwich Register Office on December 1 1993 and spent every day together since then.
Are you planning an unusual funeral procession? Email sophie.wyllie@archant.co.uk
