Attending a funeral was one of the myriad of tasks that faced me today. Michael Goodman MBE RN was one of the best and I and many mourners filled the sweet St Laurence's Church in Upwey for his memorial Service, which began at 1230. Mike's very special wife, Helen, was the picture of dignity and courage throughout what must have been a difficult few hours for her and the family. I first met Mike in 2006 after I'd been selected as the Conservative candidate for S Dorset. From the moment I met him, he and Helen went out of their way to help and support me. Mike's intimate knowledge of the area as a councillor of huge standing was invaluable and I often sought his opinion and advice on matters. We heard two eulogies in the church; one from Mike's daughter, the other from an old friend called George, who I'd met out canvassing. We heard how Mike and Helen had been childhood sweethearts, how he spent many months away at sea, in particular during the Falklands War, where he served on HMS Fearless with distinction, winning the MBE. A quiet, humble man, Mike was never one to shoot his mouth off. You had to drag information from him. By chance I sat next to Mike' commanding officer during the war. A charming and quietly spoken former RN officer, he told me that he had been in charge of getting all the Royal Marines and Paras ashore during those tense early days, when enemy aircraft threatened to cause havoc. He spoke very highly of Mike, as you'd expect, and clearly they had become good friends. It was a simple and touching Service, taken sensitively by the local minister. I sadly had to leave straight after the Service as my Mum is not well, so returned home feeling a little empty. We've all lost a loyal and good friend.