I was born in Bristol 14 October 1929 weighing all of 5lb 2oz. My mother remarked ‘Is that little midge mine?’ Fortunately, any early life problems were not lasting. I was looked after by my mother’s old nanny, born in 1862, the daughter of a verger at Gloucester Cathedral. Her faith was strong and simple. As soon as I could read she would ask me to read a few bible verses to her after my supper. Later after early piano lessons, I would play hymn tunes to her. She was a keen listener to the early broadcast services on the wireless in the 1930s. I can hear her saying ‘Now you be quiet – this is coming from St Martin-in-the-Fields’. Little did she think that the happy child playing on the nursery floor would one day spend eight years as Churchwarden of the church she so admired.
I have been much inspired by the words of Psalm 116…‘I love the Lord because he has heard my voice and my supplications, because he has inclined his ear unto me therefore will I call upon him as long as I live’. Curiously, I have never heard those words sung or said in a service. I am apt to daydream but it is in those moments that ideas come to me about tasks ahead. ‘What a good idea’ I say to myself. I cannot explain how this happens but echoing in the background are those words of the psalm… ‘I will call upon him…as long as I live’.
Alastair Anson
