On the 21st November Bernard preached his last sermon at Matins in St Chad's. Bernard has been a Reader in the Diocese for over forty years. His Reader ministry began at St Luke's in Wallasey and we have benefited from his wisdom, here at St Bartholomew's and St Chad's, since Bernard moved into the district in the 1970s. Bernard was presented with an atlas, a travel book, and some secateurs, and retires with our grateful thanks for all he has done over the years. Ruth, his wife was presented with a basket of flowers in recognition of all her support.

Bernard has written the following note of gratitude:

"On the 21st November I retired as Lay Reader. I was touched by the attendance of so many of our two congregations on that occasion and by the generosity of your presents - an enormous atlas and travel book, secateurs and a magnificent cake; Ruth was delighted with the wonderful basket of flowers.

"Over 40 years I have daily prayed that in my capacity as Reader I might preach His word and serve His people and I have endeavoured to do so. It has been a great privilege and an abiding pleasure.

"May God bless you all."