We have fond memories of Fr Martin from the time he was a young and exuberant curate at Our Lady Help of Christians, West Byfleet, in the 1970s as well as during the ten years we have belonged to St Paul's parish. Here are a few:
1. I, Terry, remember that I was playing guitar in the folk group at the time when Fr Martin decided he wanted to try out a rather ambitious version of the psalm entitled 'You, Lord, have the message of eternal life'. We had to learn the syncopated music and Fr Martin occupied the pulpit encouraging the congregation to sing the chorus. In the event, it sounded very good.
2. On one occasion, there was a farewell concert for our then PP, Fr Michael Reynell, in the Marist School Hall, and wearing a maroon velvet jacket, Fr Martin sat at a grand piano while he played and sang 'A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square'!
3. We were also parent helpers in the confirmation programmes which Fr Martin ran which included a weekend at Wonersh for the candidates and helpers. On the final evening in the drawing room with a blazing fire in the hearth, Fr Martin invited the candidates to write down on a piece of paper whatever worried them most and then fold it, say a private prayer, and throw the paper in the fire. Very moving.
4. He also used to gather the confirmation group for a Last Supper re-enactment of the ancient Jewish liturgy for Passover. The adults served up a Seder meal of roast lamb with all the Jewish trimmings as described in the bible and Fr Martin would guide us through the ancient prayers and readings from Exodus. Something the candidates would never forget.
So, thank you Fr Martin for your care for us and our children over the years and for your unique style of preaching to inspire us.
With much love, Terry & Sylvia Higham