A very poignant and sad day. My former Association Chairman, and good friend, George Preston, was remembered with love, affection and humour at his Memorial Service, held in the Church of St Edward, King & Martyr Corfe Castle. Movingly, the family had organised a beacon to be lit for him last night. I could not attend as I was up north attending the Christening of my third granddaughter, but I was told more than 100 friends and family were there. Knowing the church would be packed, my wife and I got there early and were seated by 1300 for a 1400 Service. The church was packed by the time the Reverend Andrea Hagenbuch stood up to begin proceedings. The funeral and cremation had already taken place in the morning, so this was a Memorial Service with no coffin. George and his lovely wife Anne had a large family and they were all there, some of them contributing to the music, prayers and eulogies. The first and main eulogy was given by George's two sons, Nicholas and Richard. They did a superb job, bringing George to life with many tales of his life and of course about his unique character. The hymns were all the best ones - at least in my view - and there were moments when we all felt very choked. His two daughters, Susie and Sarah, ended the Service by thanking their father for a full and selfless life, well lived, and the congregation for coming. We all then filed out into a bitter wind and walked to the nearby Village Hall, which George had faithfully supported for many years. The family had laid on a feast and we all tucked in, while enjoying a glass of wine. George would have loved the occasion, as he loved all social events,, where you could never fail to hear this voice. I knew George, personally, for 14 years and became very fond of him. He was a character in the true sense of the word, and being a former soldier, we both enjoyed exchanging war stories! He was a man who adored his wife and family, loved his time in the Royal Tank Regiment, dedicated himself to many local causes and never said no to anyone who asked for his help. We will all miss this gentle and lovely man, whose premature death was so unfair. Rest in peace, my dear friend. I would like to thank the Chief Whip, who kindly slipped me - one of a handful - as the Rwanda Bill, which had returned from the Lords, was debated in the Chamber on a strict three-line.