Thanksgiving Service for Robin and Julie Althaus
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Robin was a huge supporter of both St.Mary’s and the local community for over 20 years.
 
"I first knew Robin in his capacity as Church Warden when I was a new-comer to Hamstead Marshall and St Mary's.  I remember his kind, courteous and warmly sincere greeting at the first service I attended.
 Before long I became what was in practice, if not title, assistant junior Church Warden and the respect which I had for Robin quickly evolved into friendship.  To use a well-worn phrase, it was a pleasure and a privilege to share the responsibilities of Church Warden with him.  He became a good friend, especially in hours of need.
 What struck me most was his commitment to his duties as Church Warden and his absolute determination that Christian worship must continue and flourish at St Mary's.  His aspiration was for our Church to be the centre of community life, not just a remote building on the fringes of the community.
 Robin was a quiet, unassuming, deeply Christian gentleman.  He enriched our lives.  Let us thank God for Robin."
 Andrew Hunter
 
"Sarah & I have a wonderful memory of trudging through the snow to the Christingle Service at St Mary’s on the day we moved to Hamstead Marshall.  
We were warmly greeted and made to feel very welcome by Robin and Julie who then continued to be familiar friendly faces at all the services we attended thereafter. 
Our two boys Tom & Alfie also have memories of Robin greeting them over the church wall into our garden as he was regularly found strimming, pruning and generally keeping the church yard in good order. 
Robin worked tirelessly to make sure that there was a team in place to continue his and previous wardens’ work to ensure the doors of St Mary’s would be kept open for future generations to enjoy as a place of worship."
Johnny, Sarah, Tom & Alfie Stevenson
 
"My first memory of Robin was after a service somewhere within the old benefices that my wife and I attended. He wanted to know if we had seen the stained glass window in St Mary's Hamstead Marshall.  He insisted that we must put that right.  When we went with him to the church we were completely taken aback by the design.  His passion for this piece of art was clear and infectious.  He said that it had been a controversial issue when it was chosen and installed but his good humour and gentleness won the day."