Many of you will have heard that dear Rene Smith, who lived in Kingfield St has died. She has been a resident in Aspen Ct for a few years and it is greatly to credit of the staff there that she ended her life there in comfort and dignity, shielded from COVID-19. 

Rene has been a member of the Church for most of her life. She was a member at St Luke's in the years after the Second World War, a worshipper (I think I remember correctly) at St Saviour's Poplar and then at Christ Church for most of her adult life. She taught as a Sunday School teacher and was an active member of the Bible Study group led by David Longbottom. She was always in the same pew on Sunday mornings, and never absent.

A few years ago I asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to write to Rene commending her for her contribution to Parish life and the Christian faith. Rene greatly valued the letter she received - it was well-earned and frankly over-due.  The youth group, EPIC, also made a fuss of Rene - when she moved to Aspen Ct and everything became unfamiliar and anxious-making, the EPIC children made a patchwork quilt for her, to bring her comfort and hope.

I always saw Rene as a sort of talisman. If I was coming back from holiday and saw Rene crossing the road from the shops I knew that not much could have gone wrong in my absence. She was a guarantee that all was well. My prayer now is that all is well with her in the arms of our loving God. Rene will be cremated privately on Friday 8th May, VE Day, but her funeral proper will happen once it is possible for all the congregation to meet and give thanks for this special Christian lady. Please remember her in your prayers.