During his short time in Shrewsbury Chris and I became close friends, sharing many very personal thoughts and ideas. I give thanks to God for the times when we were able to share music, theology and fun together and his passing has left a hole in my life which is hard to fill. We shared his love of organs and music. I recall one trip to Malvern when we examined an organ for sale that we thought might be suitable for Belle Vue Methodist Church. Our comments on what we found need not be repeated (very un-Methodist !) but we both enjoyed the time and jokes together.. Chris was a great encouragement to me in my own music-making and he would always comment with great support and understanding upon any of the voluntaries that I played. His own enthusiasm for playing hymns on the piano will live long in my memory: he interpreted the words of each verse, playing with variety and skill and, above all else, to encourage people to sing. A first class accompanist. Many of our conversations away from music would reflect on the work of probation officers and how that whole system has decline; we would reflect also on that fine book “The Christian agnostic”, never reaching any conclusion, of course. It was always a pleasure to visit Chris in his lovely home. Despite his pain and discomfort he was overjoyed when I told him that Linda and I were to get married. A couple of weeks before he died he advised me that ‘everything was in place and I am prepared to go’. Faith indeed alongside his humour and musicianship. He will live long in our various memories;  Linda and I send our love to you both and to your families.

Thanks for joining in with the service to celebrate Chris' life. Feel free to add your own memories, stories, photos, thoughts and prayers here. As we're not able to meet and share these things in person, we can have the conversations we would have had here and catch up with each other. Whether it's reflections on the service, replying to someone else's post or letting us know what you're up to, it's all fine - we'd be glad to hear it.