It's been a quiet week for me politically as I remained at home to stay with my dear Papa, who was taken into hospital last week. We were warned by the doctors that he was seriously ill and it was unlikely he'd make a recovery. With that in mind, the family gathered around to say their farewells and I am sad to announce that Dad passed away very peacefully in his sleep at about 1430 on Tuesday, 4 July. My mother, brother, my son and I were there at the time. The point of this note is to thank, on my Father's behalf, all those who came into contact with him. He had a long and fulfilled life, meeting many people and he immersed himself in several causes that were dear to his heart. I know he would like to thank all those who enriched his life, which ended very peacefully at Poole Hospital. There will be a private family funeral later this month and a Memorial Service at a date to be confirmed. Of course, my family and I would be most grateful if our privacy was respected.