Amidst all the good news this week, as the Newsletter went to press we had some sad news, announced in St Luke's on Sunday 1st May, to the dismay of the congregation.  One of the most longstanding members of the congregation, Barbara Reader, died on Saturday after a short illness.  Fuller tributes to Barbara will no doubt appear over the course of the next weeks and we all send our thoughts and prayers to her family.  It falls to me to say some initial words, even though I only knew Barbara in her latter years as a fellow-worshipper at St Luke's.

On a personal level, I would find it hard to think of a more faithful, friendly and kind lady, always raising a smile for another to raise their spirits.  She participated fully in the life and work of the church, with many friends and with a fervent belief that brought her to services on Sundays and on Thursday mornings, where she was an absolute stalwart.  There have been many mornings when I have seen her bringing a pint of milk down to the church hall, ready for the tea and coffee after the service.

Although suffering with her hearing, Barbara could be seen arriving early on Sundays, gathering herself in prayer before services began and then joining in worship with everyone, before meeting up with friends afterwards for a cuppa.  As a non-Stokie, all I can say is that she never addressed me other than with a 'duck'.  She was an absolute star and if anyone deserves to be there with the Lord now, happy in his presence after so many years of faithful service, it is Barbara Reader.  I and everyone else will miss you, duck.