I'd had connections with the chaplaincy at TheOldPlace which started out when I attended a Lent course and got to know the lead chaplain a little. A chance encounter at the gym then led to me being invited to play five-a-side soccer once a week where I could regularly kick him in the ankles. (My clumsiness knowing no bounds).

TheOldPlace ran a short memorial service at this time of year and here's no different. Only instead of a 'generic' one, this one was specifically aimed at those from the university who'd died. A couple of elderly former staff who'd passed away, but several students who'd died during the year and one who'd been murdered.

A touching act of remembrance for them with the half dozen or so of us who turned up. It was in the new (and very nice) chaplaincy center just across the road from the library. Hordes of Muslims departing their Friday prayer which takes place in an adjoining prayer room. It was great to see the place so lively and well used.

I'd been a bit uncertain about going as I knew I didn't have anyone particular in mind to 'remember'. But it seemed to me worth attending if only to be thankful that I wasn't in that position, and also to support the chaplains (two of them present but a third exists) as presumably just like anyone ministering in this fashion they need prayer and encouragement as well.