We have been saddened to learn of the deaths of Friends during this last year. June Rees died within a short time of her husband Neville. June and Neville served in Abu Dhabi and were hard working members of St. Andrew’s congregation; both attended Synod and they regularly supported the Spring reunions at Pilgrim Hall.

Dorothy Haile was a member of St. Andrew’s, Kyrenia for many years, leaving there at the age of 90 to return to the UK when she felt unable to drive the car any longer! She was one of the few at St. Andrew’s who could cross the “Green Line” and so was called upon to be the delegate for St. Andrew’s at Synod for many years.

Graham Spurgeon died suddenly earlier this year. Graham had been a member of the congregation at St. George’s, Baghdad in the 1980s and at a time when there was no Chaplain there joined the “team” of laity in taking services, including intercessions and sermons. He also helped in the tremendous job of preparing the vicarage for the promised incumbent to be (who never arrived because Saddam invaded Kuwait). Until recently Graham was a member of the Friends’ Committee.

Doris Ryder died earlier this year followed soon afterwards by Arthur. Canon Arthur Ryder was for many years the Chaplain in Kyrenia.  Both he and Doris were in their 90s and until recent years were to be seen riding their bicycles around Kyrenia. They were both much loved by everyone who knew them.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of these Friends and to anyone else that has been bereaved.