Your order of service says a Short Address and Tribute. In case you're not prepared for this, it means a short address, but not necessarily a short tribute. There is so much to say about Martha that we would need to have started this celebration first thing this morning to get it all in, and then we might just have made the "Ham Tea" (as she called it) in time. So this is NOT a comprehensive summary of a full life well lived, nor a complete description of her character. What is important today is the precious memories that you hold of her. Each of us here today had a different relationship with her; all are valid and all are unique. So you can fill in what I have not said, either in your own mind, or if you are brave, out loud! After I have spoken I will come round with a microphone for anyone who would like to share a comment or short story. So you can be thinking about that now, but don't forget, we have a ham tea to get to, and the microphone has an off switch!! Why a bible reading about a commandment to love and bearing fruit that will last? It's important for two main reasons. Firstly, it's part of the farewell speech Jesus is giving to his closest friends. Of all the things he has shown and taught them over the three years he's been with them, there is one main thing he wants to emphasise. If you forget everything else, remember to love one another. That's what I have done for you, now do it for one another - And keep loving when the going gets tough, because that's real love. That's what Paul has given to Martha. As she says in her letter, the past seven months have been a trauma. She could not have managed without him. She was sustained by his love above all else, and Paul I believe has been strengthened by the love and support of Family and friends, those of you here today. In fact ALL love has it's source in the One who gave life. God created all that is because GOD IS love. So all love comes from God and goes back to God. And so the commandment Jesus gave has been fulfilled here, and the fruit of Love WILL last. Although today we are facing the pain of separation, tomorrow all the love will still be there, and the next day. Secondly, This reading fits because it is read every Maundy Thursday. Maundy means mandate or commandment, and on Maundy Thursday in 1997, Paul and Martha sang in the choir here for the Queens visit and distribution of the Royal Maundy money. (Paul's Mum was a recipient!). Afterwards they met the Royal couple and Prince Philip asked Martha why the Ladies of the choir didn't wear the white bit (meaning the men's surplices). She simply replied that the red ladies gowns of the time were her choir robe. He replied "isn't that sexist", and she said "no it's what we wear and we are proud of it"!! I guess not many people stand up to Prince Philip, but he met his match that day! So that passage has a real resonance for Paul and Martha. That's the short address. Now for some biography of Martha. Martha was born in Bangour General Hospital near Bathgate in Scotland on 26th November 1949, the only child of Thomas and Janet Galbraith who lived all their lives in Harthill where they ran the village shoe shop. 'Livingstone' came from her Grandmother who was Martha Hamilton Livingstone, a family tradition which has continued for generations. Martha was educated at Airdrie Academy, achieving her Scottish Highers a year early, and after various holiday jobs, went to train as a Junior School Teacher at Hamilton Teacher Training College. When Martha first came to Bradford, she taught at Wyke Junior School, before moving to Birkenhead where both Laura and Alan were born. Soon after Alan's arrival Martha came back to Bradford and settled in Clayton where she lived until 1991 when she and Paul bought their new house together in Drighlington. She never went back into teaching, but instead settled for a life in School Administration, firstly as a Lunchtime supervisor at Clayton First School, where she was soon playing the piano for assemblies and other events. When the children were old enough she became Head's Secretary at Clayton C of E Junior and Infants School where she worked happily until 1985. That was the year she started at Grange Upper School. She worked there for 28 years until her final retirement in July 2013. She started as Head's Secretary, but ended up as Finance and Administration Manager, a huge job which did call on all her administrative and management skills. Martha touched many, many lives over those years and lasting friendships were formed because of her utter devotion to the work. But it wasn't all work! Martha joined local Amateur Operatic Societies, contributing in two ways. She sang, using her wonderful Contralto voice. She could read music because of her piano training as a child and she was welcomed in to her new found hobby. She also joined the local roving makeup team which served most of the Amateur groups at that time. Paul first met Martha when he was in the Chorus for Bradford Players "Carousel" at the Alhambra Theatre which had its dress rehearsal on 26th April 1981. Paul managed to avoid Roy Riggs' make up service, opting instead to be made up by Martha. A friendship was born and grew. In January 1983 they performed together in Student Prince at Buttershaw St. Paul's AODS, and after getting together in March 1984, they were married on 18th May 1985. When Alan was chosen to be a Chorister here, life took another turn. After taxiing him to and from the Cathedral Paul decided he might as well join the Choir again. (He had been a boy Chorister himself for years). Once, when Martha noticed the lady Alto next to Paul resting her head on his shoulder having fallen asleep during the Sermon (heaven forbid) she decided that she would also join the choir! And so the "Three Tarvers" Martha, Paul and his Dad, sang happily together for 16 years. In 1988 Martha was confirmed into the Church by Bishop Roy Williamson. When I first got to know Martha she kind of warned me that she wasn't a very faithful Christian, but Faith was certainly there. We shared communion together over the last few months, and prayed together, and I believe it gave her much comfort and strength. 2004 was a key year. Laura was married and Paul took on his Management role at Grange, so they worked happily together until Martha's Retirement. Music and Amateur Operatics have always been at the forefront of everything they did together. They have provided hours of fun and many many dear and close friends. But more than anything, it was FAMILY that brought Martha joy. Laura and Cain's wedding day in May 2004 was one of the happiest days of her life, and then again when Alan and Claire married in May 2006 in Nottingham. And that joy grew with the arrival of Grandchildren: Thomas, William, Ellie and finally Lucy in 2010. Martha was absolutely besotted, and rarely went shopping without coming home with a new outfit for one or other of them!! Martha was a very active person, loved long country walks, aerobic swimming and Line Dancing - AND gardening. Her garden was her pride and joy and the results were usually impressive. She was determined to enjoy her retirement, and together with lots of former colleagues from Grange, started the "Old Gimmers Luncheon Club", meeting up regularly for meals, fun and laughter. Many of the messages received by Paul and the Family speak of her wicked sense of humour and that she was not afraid to speak bluntly! But the messages also speak of someone who could always be relied on to help when needed, and that she had a great heart for people.