The band played on for Molly

Oct 10 2007 By Catherine Lillington, Birmingham Mail

A CITY street was brought to a standstill for the funeral procession of renowned violinist and matriarch Molly Anderson.

The 78-year-old, who had 18 children and nearly 100 grandchildren and great grandchildren, was taken in a horse-drawn hearse on a final journey through her home of Kings Heath.

Traffic stopped as the cortege made its way, led by pipes and drums, from St Dunstan's RC Church, after the funeral yesterday.

Hundreds of people took part in the occasion to pay their last respects to Molly who played in venues across Birmingham and on US radio.

Her family said you would rarely see her without her fiddle case, headed for one of her favourite musical venues, either The Station, Cross Guns, the Hare & Hounds, St Dunstan's or Behan's.

Father Christopher Fitzpatrick told the congregation Molly enriched people's lives.

He added: "Molly was very shy, very generous and very caring.

"She had a large family that she loved and enjoyed."

Molly's grand-daughter Jade Anderson said: "She was the most warmest, kindest lady."

Molly was born into a travelling family in Belfast and took an interest in music from an early age.

Her father Jimmy and eldest brother Joe were both talented musicians and Molly played alongside Joe at venues including the Irish Centre, the Boundary Club and the Star Club.

She also played with Drowsy Maggie, Brian Patton, Tommy Dempsey, Nigel Denver, Lorna and Ian Campbell, Dave Phillips, Aiden Forde and UB40.

Molly moved to Birmingham with her husband George in the 1950s, settling in Ladywood and later Kings Heath. A sufferer from diabetes, she died at Selly Oak Hospital on September 29 from pneumonia and heart failure.