THERE was laughter and sadness at the thanksgiving service in York for the life of Margaret Rose Haslam, one of the victims of the Jordanian coach crash tragedy.

The service was held at Heworth Methodist Church, where Mrs Haslam worshipped with her husband, retired Methodist minister Graham Haslam.

Mr Haslam was the organiser of the pilgrim tour to the "Forgotten Holy Land" which ended so tragically last month when a tyre on their coach burst. The vehicle crossed the central reservation on the Desert Highway, hit a pick-up truck and rolled off the dual carriageway.

Twelve people died, including nine pilgrims from various parts of England. Four of whom were from York.

Mr Haslam suffered head and leg injuries and was released from hospital only a week ago.

Mr Haslam's daughter, Sarah, and son, Jonathan, and other family members followed Mrs Haslam's coffin into the crowded church for the service which was led by Mr Haslam's cousin, retired United Reformed Church minister Anthony Burnham, from Manchester.

The address was given jointly by Sarah and Jonathan and included some amusing anecdotes relating to Mrs Haslam's life. Sarah said: "We meet to give thanks and to celebrate the life of our dear and loving mother, Margaret Haslam. We have suffered a great loss as Mum was the centre of our family - a loving wife and mother, sister, aunt and friend, and a wonderful grandmother."

Jonathan referred to her childhood years in Sprotborough, on the banks of the River Don, and said she "undoubtedly got her love of gardening from her dad, who would carry her around the garden in a seed tray at an early age".

One year she was voted the queen of Sprotborough Carnival, but at another village fair she was petting a goat when a second goat crept up on her and "made a meal of her yellow dress".

Sarah said her mother studied French at Queen Mary College in London, and spent a year teaching in France before eventually gaining a teaching appointment at Don Valley High School.

"In the summer of 1959, Mum acted as a chaperone for two younger teachers from Sprotborough on a Methodist Youth Department teacher training course at Dalguise in Scotland. On the course she met Dad, who was a theology student. They arranged to meet again, fell in love, and remained in love for over 45 years."

Jonathan said: "Mum always supported Dad in his work, though she would never accept that she was a traditional minister's wife. She did it her way."

Sarah said: "We give thanks for the privilege of being part of her life, for the way in which what she was made us who we are."

Mrs Haslam grew sunflowers every year and attached to every service sheet was a little packet of two sunflower seeds and the message: "Please grow these sunflowers next year and think of her."

Readings were given by Mrs Haslam's sister, Bridget Brice, and Heworth minister Isabel Stuart.

The service was followed by burial at York Cemetery.

Updated: 10:36 Friday, November 26, 2004