Walthamstow musician Mark Unwin potatoes funeral tribute

Mark Unwin, 76, was celebrated with a personal and humorous tribute including homegrown spuds.

Mark was a regular at open mic nights and known for his witty, self-written songs about life in Walthamstow, including Demography of Walthamstow.

Mark's hat and potatoes on top of the coffin (Image: Co-op)

He had lived in Walthamstow since 1986 and tended to his allotment for 25 years.

Jacqueline Shannon, funeral director at Co-op Funeralcare Walthamstow, said: "Mark’s service was incredibly joyful and personal.

"Every detail reflected his personality – from the potatoes and allotment hat to the music he wrote himself.

"It was a true celebration of Mark and how much he meant to the Walthamstow community, and we were delighted to assist his family in ensuring his final farewell was true to who he was."

Mark wrote songs about Walthamstow (Image: Co-op)

The tribute replaced traditional floral arrangements with a basket of his own potatoes, along with his well-worn allotment hat and a single red rose.

The service featured three of Mark’s original songs and a video of him performing at his allotment.

Mourners were invited to wear whatever they felt comfortable in.