Over 20 years ago when we first crossed the threshold of Rising Brook you were there to welcome us. You have been there ever since – solid, reliable, genuine and caring. You knew our names from day one. You took an interest. How you did that for so many people and for all different generations I will never know. Dave Bate and I have been thinking about the plight of the fatherless. For Rising Brook you have been that father figure – arms open wide- and yet you are of course the father behind the father, too (if we think of martin in Anglo Catholic terms). That has been special to behold – the dignity and humility and strength in your partnership and service.