Firstly can i say how sorry I am not able to be with you today. I shall be thinking about you all as I journey to Leeds. My thanks to John for reading this tribute for me.
I first net Robin when he was about 8 years old. He was not the world's greatest academic and, in fact, found some of his school work quite difficult. From that time until he left school at 16, I spent some time with him each week during term time,giving him what help I could. They were enjoyable and rewarding times and I became very fond of him. He knew I was a keen bird-watcher and my Christmas card always had a picture of a Robin. I also have on my study shelves various bird watching publications which were given to me as presents. (now treasured more than ever.)
As a birder I always called him Robin, so Robin, this is for you with my love.
WHAT IS A ROBIN?
One of my birding guides tells me this:
Robins are very special, known and loved by many people. Alert, handsome and a bit cheeky, they are popular with most human beings with whom they make contact. They are independent and individualistic, living their lives in their own unique style. At the appropriate times they are fiercely family orientated. Their cheerful presence all year round brightens even the darkest winter day.
Robin Turpitt, how aptly you were named, for this paragraph could have been, and now has been written for you.
May God hold you safely in His keeping and may His love, comfort and hope be with all who morn you today.
God bless you all.