Farewell to Elizabeth and Brain Inall

It was a bright and sunny day on Sunday 12 July when the big lunch given in thanks for Elizabeth and Brian Inall took place at All Saints Church. The hall was crammed full of tables for a delicious sit-down bring and share lunch put together with calm efficiency by Sally Howe and her team of helpers. All ages were well represented.

Between courses came the speeches and the cutting of the cake. Roy Mutlow opened the proceedings, reflecting on Elizabeth's long period of service and on much that had grown in that time. In particular he mentioned the weekend conferences which had helped to shape the development of the All Saints community. Christopher Futcher, the Rector, paid tribute in particular for her role as the one who prepared and wrote the parish course for Baptism Preparation.

Other ventures were undertaken in her time as Priest-in-Charge. All Saints is the venue for the Child Contact Centre, which provides for contact between children and absent parents. Harpenden Spotlight on Africa came into being because of the selfless work of Ron Gaines and others in building a centre and a school in Uganda. The presentation of a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a cheque followed, before we queued up for our fruity desserts. It was a warm-hearted occasion to wish Elizabeth and Brian goodbye.

This article appeared in Link magazine Aug/Sept 2009