FOR years Mike Cross was confused about why a football match he was playing in as a 16-year-old was suspended as a train went past.

Now 66, the Eynsham resident has realised the significance of the moment was when Sir Winston Churchill’s coffin was transported 50 years ago yesterday to be buried at St Martin’s Church in Bladon later that day.

Mr Cross was inspired by his great-grandfather and great uncle, both of whom served in the First World War, to volunteer at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum (SOFO), in Woosdstock, where he realised the importance of the events on January 30, 1965.

The retired banker, who went to Chipping Norton School and played for Chadlington Reserves FC for many years, said: “It’s a memory I’ve fought to recall for many years. When I remember it, how it was, the referee stopped the game, the train went by and then the referee restarted it.

“When I started at the museum I spoke to people and they said that the train came from London and it seemed like too much of a coincidence.

“I know his funeral was at St Paul’s Cathedral, then they put his body on a barge down the Thames and took it to Waterloo Station. The train would have then gone to Kingham Junction, then to Long Hanborough, so it all makes sense.

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“Where exactly was I playing, I can’t remember, but I think it was near Chadlington.

“It must have been pre-planned but how was I supposed to know?”

The father-of-two added: “It was a mark of respect.

“I was brought up to respect the man and like most families we had a statue of the great man on the mantlepiece.

“In some ways it almost marks the passing of the years of my life too. I loved playing football. I never wanted to finish and played as long as I could until I was battered and bruised and had to hide the injuries.”

Mr Cross works in the archives at SOFO and helps families to trace their ancestors who served in the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars, the regiment in which both his great grandfather and Sir Winston served.

Director Ursula Corcoran said the museum was expecting an influx of visitors as well-wishers came to pay their respects to the former Prime Minister.

The museum, which tells the story of Sir Winston’s connection with the the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars regiment, is holding a special programme of half-term events for families including special trails, quizzes and ‘make-and-take’ activities in the galleries.

SOFO is in Park Street in Woodstock.

  • Full information about the activities can be found at sofo.org.uk

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