	Farewell to Martin - Tributes
	"This month we say goodbye to Martin and Liz Collins as they move to Buxton to enjoy a very well deserved retirement. Since Martin was inducted as Vicar of Norbury in 1991 there have been many highlights; the reordering of the church, the opening of the new rooms, the development of a rich diversity of music in worship, the appointment of youth and children's workers, the continuing blessing of the Alpha Course and the strong links with the Matheison Music School are just a few. It has been a busy seventeen years and Martin has been at the heart of it all. He has given of himself so generously, carried out his duty of care unstintingly (and unobtrusively) and has encouraged many people at Norbury to find their own vocation and ministry. It is this generous giving that has enriched Norbury and given it something very special indeed. Liz has shared fully in this ministry in many different ways; her musical talents, her commitment to those in deepest need through Christian Aid and her work with the children at Norbury have all been very much appreciated Reflected in the following tributes are Martin's achievements both in terms of those aspects of ministry that are seen and appreciated by the many (what happens in church, if you like) but also those aspects that are less 'public'; the visiting, the listening, the comforting, the encouraging and the individual kindnesses - many who read these words will know how Martin has helped them to embrace and hold on to faith in Christ, often in hard times. Rob Green
Martin has been the vicar here at Norbury for 17 years and under his leadership he has enabled the church family to grow in faith and strength and to become a very welcoming church. He has been a great encourager, allowing each one of us to develop our own gifts and skills, particularly so in all aspects of Pastoral Care. This team has flourished over the years of his ministry. Martin has been there to guide and advise me in my studies, and has supported me through the Parish Assistants training and commissioning. He helped me to develop this role for 10 years, and then with conversion to the Licensed Pastoral Worker that I am today. Thank you Martin for these 17 years. May I wish you and Liz much happiness in your new life together in Buxton. Being grandparents gives you a new dimension to your life. You will certainly be kept fit and healthy chasing after the young ones. Did I tell you that grandparents need very deep pockets! With love and best wishes to you both. Ann Smith Easter 1999 was to be a time to celebrate and a time to remember. My “three score years and ten” were ‘up’ on Palm Sunday and there followed a special family gathering, a buffet and presentation at the Magistrates’ Court for 32 years’ active service, and the purchase of a new IBM computer. The heart attack came, uninvited, on Good Friday and we were filled with foreboding. Apart from a few visits to A & E, I had no other experience as a hospital patient. Needles, wires, drips, computerised charts with sound effects, bedpans, bed-baths, steamed fish, grapes and Lucozade merged into a bewildering scenario in the high intensity ward containing six beds. The wires attached to my body made me very apprehensive about the future, if there was to be one. Easter Sunday dawned, and, though I did not know it, my personal resurrection from the Slough of Despair was about to take place. The dark angel was standing at my bedside, no wings but taller than I expected. (Was it the injections, or did I really see the cycle clips?) The voice said “Hello, Jim. I'm Martin Collins”. The impact of that visitation defies description. It was very much the same experience when, in December 2005, after a serious heart attack, I underwent a triple bypass. The tall, dark visitor was, by this time, no stranger, and, by now, I had experienced his beneficial influence in many different ways. One of the plans for 1999 had been to join the fellowship at Norbury for our sunset years. Nine years later, Joan and I acknowledge that this has been one of the happiest periods in our life. For us, Martin is a key figure. Deeply spiritual, yet manifestly ‘in’ this world, he is a role model of the parish minister. His conduct of Worship, preaching of the Word, administration of the Sacraments, and friendly approach in less formal situations will leave a lasting impression until the sun finally sets. (Not yet!). Jim Garfitt When Cyril Barton left the parish 18 years ago, people said finding a good replacement would be a tall order but Martin has measured up to the role admirably. He was head and shoulders above the other candidates. From the very beginning, he amazed me with his ability to remember names. Within twelve months, he knew the names of parishioners that I had struggled to remember over twelve years. Perhaps it was a skill he had developed from working within the educational sector but it certainly helped individuals to feel welcome and included. Martin also brought to the parish a concern for the welcoming and development of young people in the church family. This ultimately led to the employment of Norbury’s first Youth Worker and then the expansion to two people working with our young folk. Another dimension Martin brought was his experience of working for a while in Kolcutta, his involvement with the Mathieson Music School and his friendship with Anup Das. This is something we have all benefited from, not only being able to hear Anup play the cello but to see and share the wonderful work the school does. Some people might be surprised to hear that Martin has been on the fiddle. This of course refers to his playing the violin in the Music Group from time to time, a skill that he kept hidden for several years. In the context of lights hidden under bushels, perhaps we can hear Martin sing the office at Evensong once before he retires? In all of this, we should not forget that teamwork is important and therefore not overlook the support that Liz has given Martin in his incumbency and the work Liz has done in her own right with the children’s groups. We shall miss them both and wish them well in their retirement. Trevor Tinson Martin has been very helpful to me ever since I started coming to Norbury. I came after many years of working as a Reader nearby but had been out of action for a few years because the level of activity required of me had been impossible to sustain alongside an increasingly demanding very full-time job. Martin was quite happy to accept me on the basis that I could do as much or as little as I felt able, making it possible to get restarted very gently at the time and then to build up the level of activity after my retirement four years ago. He has also understood that since retirement I wanted to develop other interests, whilst gently encouraging me to develop my church activity. For all this I am and remain very grateful. I have found him a very sensitive, caring and understanding man to work for, and wish him and Liz a very long and happy retirement. Alan Brown I believe that Martin has many gifts and has been an inspiration to many of the congregation at Norbury. Of special relevance to me is Martin's love of music. Martin is a talented violinist who is a pleasure to play with in the music group. He encourages a variety of musical styles for services and other occasions and is always very supportive. He recognises that not every style of music suits everyone, but also looks for opportunities to bring together the different styles, for example in workshops and for songs at the carol service. I (and I know many others) have enjoyed many musical occasions outside of services that Martin has supported. The main highlights include the Mathieson School concerts made possible by Martin's long association with Anup Biswas; the Praise Band (back in 1995!); and the recent "Back to the Eighties" musical. Martin will leave a strong musical legacy at Norbury which I hope will continue for many years. David Duke	Martin has always been someone that I have looked up to – and not just because he is very tall and I am very short! Amongst very many things, the one thing that has really impressed me about Martin is his ability to know people's names – but not just to remember their names, but know the names of that person's family, so that he will ask how people are even though they themselves don't often come to Norbury. Being welcomed by name is a very important part of belonging somewhere, and that I think is Martin's legacy to Norbury – it is such a welcoming church. Everyone is made to feel a part of it. Everyone's needs are catered for. Within Norbury we have services which go from the very traditional Book of Common Prayer, through to the very informal such as Celtic communions, with everything in between. It is down to the incumbent to allow these services to continue and flourish and Martin has done just that. And I think I would be hard pushed to know which type of service Martin likes best – he welcomes all services (or seems to). Even though I have moved away from Hazel Grove the vibrant, friendly church that is Norbury still draws me back. Thanks Martin – you will be missed. Liz Snape It is almost eight years since our family started to attend Norbury Church after a very lively holiday club. What a lot of changes have occurred since then. Martin and many other people within Norbury have played and continue to play a large part in our lives. Martin made it his place to get to know us and he offered to visit us at our home. With his help Norbury soon became a second home for myself, Paul and our daughters Emily and Chloe. Martin has a very special and understated ability to recognise people’s talents and abilities and he can see where they might fit into the church. His powers of persuasion are rather good too and before I knew it I was playing the piano with the music group. It has to be said that before this time I had never wanted to play the piano in front of anyone (including Paul) never mind a large congregation. He saw through my resistant nature and with his encouragement and confidence in my ability to do the job I continued to play with the music group for several years. It has to be said that Martin has many capabilities and although we shall miss him dearly, Buxton is very lucky to have him, but he will be close enough to us to visit. The Wallaces would very much like to thank Martin for all his help and advice and support to the family and we wish him and Liz a very happy, healthy and restful retirement. Sandra Wallace I will always have happy memories of Martin, such a caring, special person and it has been privilege to work with him. I always found he had time to listen to me, although I tried not to bother him too much. Martin has given me so many wonderful opportunities at Norbury and has always given me encouragement and support. I never thought I would have all this to look forward to after I came to a memorial service with a friend one evening 6 years ago. I will be eternally grateful. It has increased my faith, I have made lots of new friends and I am so proud to be part of the Norbury family. It has given me a real purpose in my life doing work I love. So thank you Martin, I will miss your friendship and your company but you have earned your retirement, so enjoy every minute and may God bless you and your family. With grateful thanks Margaret Darbyshire In 1989 a major change took place at Norbury Church when the Revd Cyril Barton retired and a new incumbent was appointed. “Will the new vicar be approachable”? “Will he fit in with us”? “Will he change what we have become comfortable with for so long”? These and many other questions began to exercise the mind of the Norbury family. In a few weeks time we will be saying farewell to Liz and Martin – where has the time gone? Yes, there have been many changes in seventeen years, that was inevitable, but they have been introduced with patience, sensitivity and the requirements of the majority of church members. Yes, Norbury has grown in so many ways over the years, thanks to Martin’s leadership and encouragement. Thank you for all that you have achieved for Norbury. Our role now is to continue to build-on and strengthen the foundations that already exist. What a challenge: thank you Martin; I wish you a happy and long retirement. Arthur Taberner I have enjoyed working with Martin over the last four and a half years, first as parish secretary and then as administrator. He understands Norbury so well. I can ask him any question, and either be given the right information, or at least where to look for it. I do not know how I am going to manage without his knowledge. I have constantly been impressed by his strength, judgement and restraint, especially in situations where emotions run high. Working with Martin has never been dull! He has trusted me to deal with things, but at the same time has always been there when I needed help. He conducted a wonderful wedding ceremony for our daughter and her husband in 2006 – a memory we will treasure always. I have seen his joy at being a granddad, and hope that retirement will give him more time for the things he enjoys and people he loves. Elizabeth Olsson Seventeen years ago, Norbury couldn't have chosen a better vicar, a man with vision, prepared to be forward thinking, a ‘people person’ giving firm leadership, encouragement and guidance and excellent pastoral care. He was a familiar figure in the community on his trusty steed (with which one of us became closely acquainted). That vicar is Martin Collins. We wish him and Liz a long and fulfilling retirement. Mo and Elfed Hughes The first time I met Martin was on Chester Road Bridge when he stopped my pram-pushing to look at my baby granddaughter. His dog collar gave me a clue to his identity. Almost 17 years have gone by and in that time I have found him to be a caring man, in a quiet way, with time for young and old. His sermons have given me inspiration and food for thought and he has a sense of humour. He is well known and respected outside the church building as he travels throughout the parish visiting the housebound and using sustainable transport. Well done Martin! A happy retirement to you and Liz. Julia Holland
	Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone: 0161-483 6325

Farewell to Martin - Tributes

"This month we say goodbye to Martin and Liz Collins as they move to Buxton to enjoy a very well deserved retirement. Since Martin was inducted as Vicar of Norbury in 1991 there have been many highlights; the reordering of the church, the opening of the new rooms, the development of a rich diversity of music in worship, the appointment of youth and children's workers, the continuing blessing of the Alpha Course and the strong links with the Matheison Music School are just a few.

It has been a busy seventeen years and Martin has been at the heart of it all. He has given of himself so generously, carried out his duty of care unstintingly (and unobtrusively) and has encouraged many people at Norbury to find their own vocation and ministry. It is this generous giving that has enriched Norbury and given it something very special indeed.

Liz has shared fully in this ministry in many different ways; her musical talents, her commitment to those in deepest need through Christian Aid and her work with the children at Norbury have all been very much appreciated

Reflected in the following tributes are Martin's achievements both in terms of those aspects of ministry that are seen and appreciated by the many (what happens in church, if you like) but also those aspects that are less 'public'; the visiting, the listening, the comforting, the encouraging and the individual kindnesses - many who read these words will know how Martin has helped them to embrace and hold on to faith in Christ, often in hard times.

Rob Green

Martin has been the vicar here at Norbury for 17 years and under his leadership he has enabled the church family to grow in faith and strength and to become a very welcoming church.

He has been a great encourager, allowing each one of us to develop our own gifts and skills, particularly so in all aspects of Pastoral Care. This team has flourished over the years of his ministry.

Martin has been there to guide and advise me in my studies, and has supported me through the Parish Assistants training and commissioning. He helped me to develop this role for 10 years, and then with conversion to the Licensed Pastoral Worker that I am today.

Thank you Martin for these 17 years. May I wish you and Liz much happiness in your new life together in Buxton. Being grandparents gives you a new dimension to your life. You will certainly be kept fit and healthy chasing after the young ones. Did I tell you that grandparents need very deep pockets! With love and best wishes to you both.

Ann Smith

Easter 1999 was to be a time to celebrate and a time to remember. My “three score years and ten” were ‘up’ on Palm Sunday and there followed a special family gathering, a buffet and presentation at the Magistrates’ Court for 32 years’ active service, and the purchase of a new IBM computer. The heart attack came, uninvited, on Good Friday and we were filled with foreboding. Apart from a few visits to A & E, I had no other experience as a hospital patient.

Needles, wires, drips, computerised charts with sound effects, bedpans, bed-baths, steamed fish, grapes and Lucozade merged into a bewildering scenario in the high intensity ward containing six beds. The wires attached to my body made me very apprehensive about the future, if there was to be one.

Easter Sunday dawned, and, though I did not know it, my personal resurrection from the Slough of Despair was about to take place. The dark angel was standing at my bedside, no wings but taller than I expected. (Was it the injections, or did I really see the cycle clips?) The voice said “Hello, Jim. I'm Martin Collins”. The impact of that visitation defies description. It was very much the same experience when, in December 2005, after a serious heart attack, I underwent a triple bypass. The tall, dark visitor was, by this time, no stranger, and, by now, I had experienced his beneficial influence in many different ways.

One of the plans for 1999 had been to join the fellowship at Norbury for our sunset years. Nine years later, Joan and I acknowledge that this has been one of the happiest periods in our life. For us, Martin is a key figure. Deeply spiritual, yet manifestly ‘in’ this world, he is a role model of the parish minister. His conduct of Worship, preaching of the Word, administration of the Sacraments, and friendly approach in less formal situations will leave a lasting impression until the sun finally sets. (Not yet!).

Jim Garfitt

When Cyril Barton left the parish 18 years ago, people said finding a good replacement would be a tall order but Martin has measured up to the role admirably. He was head and shoulders above the other candidates.

From the very beginning, he amazed me with his ability to remember names. Within twelve months, he knew the names of parishioners that I had struggled to remember over twelve years. Perhaps it was a skill he had developed from working within the educational sector but it certainly helped individuals to feel welcome and included.

Martin also brought to the parish a concern for the welcoming and development of young people in the church family. This ultimately led to the employment of Norbury’s first Youth Worker and then the expansion to two people working with our young folk.

Another dimension Martin brought was his experience of working for a while in Kolcutta, his involvement with the Mathieson Music School and his friendship with Anup Das. This is something we have all benefited from, not only being able to hear Anup play the cello but to see and share the wonderful work the school does.

Some people might be surprised to hear that Martin has been on the fiddle. This of course refers to his playing the violin in the Music Group from time to time, a skill that he kept hidden for several years. In the context of lights hidden under bushels, perhaps we can hear Martin sing the office at Evensong once before he retires?

In all of this, we should not forget that teamwork is important and therefore not overlook the support that Liz has given Martin in his incumbency and the work Liz has done in her own right with the children’s groups. We shall miss them both and wish them well in their retirement.

Trevor Tinson

Martin has been very helpful to me ever since I started coming to Norbury. I came after many years of working as a Reader nearby but had been out of action for a few years because the level of activity required of me had been impossible to sustain alongside an increasingly demanding very full-time job.

Martin was quite happy to accept me on the basis that I could do as much or as little as I felt able, making it possible to get restarted very gently at the time and then to build up the level of activity after my retirement four years ago. He has also understood that since retirement I wanted to develop other interests, whilst gently encouraging me to develop my church activity. For all this I am and remain very grateful. I have found him a very sensitive, caring and understanding man to work for, and wish him and Liz a very long and happy retirement.

Alan Brown

I believe that Martin has many gifts and has been an inspiration to many of the congregation at Norbury. Of special relevance to me is Martin's love of music. Martin is a talented violinist who is a pleasure to play with in the music group. He encourages a variety of musical styles for services and other occasions and is always very supportive. He recognises that not every style of music suits everyone, but also looks for opportunities to bring together the different styles, for example in workshops and for songs at the carol service.

I (and I know many others) have enjoyed many musical occasions outside of services that Martin has supported. The main highlights include the Mathieson School concerts made possible by Martin's long association with Anup Biswas; the Praise Band (back in 1995!); and the recent "Back to the Eighties" musical. Martin will leave a strong musical legacy at Norbury which I hope will continue for many years.

David Duke

Martin has always been someone that I have looked up to – and not just because he is very tall and I am very short! Amongst very many things, the one thing that has really impressed me about Martin is his ability to know people's names – but not just to remember their names, but know the names of that person's family, so that he will ask how people are even though they themselves don't often come to Norbury. Being welcomed by name is a very important part of belonging somewhere, and that I think is Martin's legacy to Norbury – it is such a welcoming church.

Everyone is made to feel a part of it. Everyone's needs are catered for. Within Norbury we have services which go from the very traditional Book of Common Prayer, through to the very informal such as Celtic communions, with everything in between. It is down to the incumbent to allow these services to continue and flourish and Martin has done just that. And I think I would be hard pushed to know which type of service Martin likes best – he welcomes all services (or seems to).

Even though I have moved away from Hazel Grove the vibrant, friendly church that is Norbury still draws me back. Thanks Martin – you will be missed.

Liz Snape

It is almost eight years since our family started to attend Norbury Church after a very lively holiday club. What a lot of changes have occurred since then. Martin and many other people within Norbury have played and continue to play a large part in our lives. Martin made it his place to get to know us and he offered to visit us at our home. With his help Norbury soon became a second home for myself, Paul and our daughters Emily and Chloe.

Martin has a very special and understated ability to recognise people’s talents and abilities and he can see where they might fit into the church. His powers of persuasion are rather good too and before I knew it I was playing the piano with the music group. It has to be said that before this time I had never wanted to play the piano in front of anyone (including Paul) never mind a large congregation. He saw through my resistant nature and with his encouragement and confidence in my ability to do the job I continued to play with the music group for several years.

It has to be said that Martin has many capabilities and although we shall miss him dearly, Buxton is very lucky to have him, but he will be close enough to us to visit. The Wallaces would very much like to thank Martin for all his help and advice and support to the family and we wish him and Liz a very happy, healthy and restful retirement.

Sandra Wallace

I will always have happy memories of Martin, such a caring, special person and it has been privilege to work with him. I always found he had time to listen to me, although I tried not to bother him too much. Martin has given me so many wonderful opportunities at Norbury and has always given me encouragement and support. I never thought I would have all this to look forward to after I came to a memorial service with a friend one evening 6 years ago. I will be eternally grateful. It has increased my faith, I have made lots of new friends and I am so proud to be part of the Norbury family. It has given me a real purpose in my life doing work I love. So thank you Martin, I will miss your friendship and your company but you have earned your retirement, so enjoy every minute and may God bless you and your family. With grateful thanks

Margaret Darbyshire

In 1989 a major change took place at Norbury Church when the Revd Cyril Barton retired and a new incumbent was appointed. “Will the new vicar be approachable”? “Will he fit in with us”? “Will he change what we have become comfortable with for so long”? These and many other questions began to exercise the mind of the Norbury family.

In a few weeks time we will be saying farewell to Liz and Martin – where has the time gone? Yes, there have been many changes in seventeen years, that was inevitable, but they have been introduced with patience, sensitivity and the requirements of the majority of church members. Yes, Norbury has grown in so many ways over the years, thanks to Martin’s leadership and encouragement. Thank you for all that you have achieved for Norbury. Our role now is to continue to build-on and strengthen the foundations that already exist. What a challenge: thank you Martin; I wish you a happy and long retirement.

Arthur Taberner

I have enjoyed working with Martin over the last four and a half years, first as parish secretary and then as administrator. He understands Norbury so well. I can ask him any question, and either be given the right information, or at least where to look for it. I do not know how I am going to manage without his knowledge. I have constantly been impressed by his strength, judgement and restraint, especially in situations where emotions run high. Working with Martin has never been dull! He has trusted me to deal with things, but at the same time has always been there when I needed help.

He conducted a wonderful wedding ceremony for our daughter and her husband in 2006 – a memory we will treasure always. I have seen his joy at being a granddad, and hope that retirement will give him more time for the things he enjoys and people he loves.

Elizabeth Olsson

Seventeen years ago, Norbury couldn't have chosen a better vicar, a man with vision, prepared to be forward thinking, a ‘people person’ giving firm leadership, encouragement and guidance and excellent pastoral care. He was a familiar figure in the community on his trusty steed (with which one of us became closely acquainted). That vicar is Martin Collins. We wish him and Liz a long and fulfilling retirement.

Mo and Elfed Hughes

The first time I met Martin was on Chester Road Bridge when he stopped my pram-pushing to look at my baby granddaughter. His dog collar gave me a clue to his identity. Almost 17 years have gone by and in that time I have found him to be a caring man, in a quiet way, with time for young and old. His sermons have given me inspiration and food for thought and he has a sense of humour.

He is well known and respected outside the church building as he travels throughout the parish visiting the housebound and using sustainable transport. Well done Martin! A happy retirement to you and Liz.

Julia Holland

Farewell to Martin - Tributes

Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone: 0161-483 6325