Words fail me in endeavouring to express my overwhelming sense of thanks and gratitude for your moving farewell do on December 1st. It was a very humbling experience, and something of a catering miracle, to be hosted by some two hundred and fifty people from all over the world. The gathering, I believe, truly represented the spirit of St Ursula's, and it would have been enough for me just for you all to be there. The fact that all were fed from a vast variety of exotic foods from around the world, and the very kind tributes paid by so many, together with the many gifts and a cheque which was quite staggering--yes, it ran into five figures--all left me quite speechless. My very deepest thanks to all who organized the event, all who contributed, and very much to you all who came and those who could not be there but sent their best wishes. It made the last eleven years worthwhile.
The rest of December was mostly a blur with farewells being a somewhat prevalent theme. I think I held out until my final service on 31st December; then, I must admit, emotion and the reality of leaving had the better of me. Since then I have been rather busy with packing, unpacking and trying to adjust to retirement, bus passes and the like, to say nothing of trying to adjust to England. In February I shall be taking off to Australia for a few weeks, and after that, who knows? Upon my return, if you are visiting England and heading north, please get in touch as I would be delighted to see you if I am here.
300 Pleckgate RoadIn the meantime, thank you again, not just for your gifts and marvellous send-off but for your fellowship in Christ, support in good times and bad, hospitality and friendship over the last eleven years. I wish you all every blessing and the riches of His grace in the future.
Yours very sincerely,
David Wotherspoon