What an honour and a privilege it is for me to speak about Glen here today - a friend and work colleague, loved and respected by so many people; and what an honour and privilege to have known him, if only for all too short a time; and to have spent the last days of his life in his company. So what is it about Glen, which fostered that love and respect and which made all of us come here today – not because we felt we ought to or that it was the right thing to do, but because we absolutely wanted and had to be here, to pay our final respects to a true gentleman. Well of course there was the Glen that all his work colleagues knew – who would always make time for you, always greet you with a big smile, be supportive and make you feel valued; and no matter what problem you presented him with, you would come away with a sensible and workable solution, achieved through his consummate wisdom. Also a man to speak his mind, not necessarily always toeing the party line, but based on a quiet but fierce professional pride and his personal principles of doing the right thing, for the community and for his colleagues. He commanded respect, without exception. But there was also a more private Glen, who led a full and contented life, that he didn’t necessarily advertise freely to others. He was born in 1966 and lived with his family in Hyde. His dad (Sam) was from there and he had met Glen’s mum (Betty) in her hometown of Dumbarton whilst serving in the Royal Navy. Glen was the youngest of five children – and his brother (Steve) and sisters (Anne, Christine and Lynne) are all here today. Many childhood holidays were taken in Dumbarton; and Scotland was to become a big influence on Glen’s life, considering himself to be Scottish rather than English. I doubt many of you will know this, but it was only last year that Glen changed his name by deed poll, to add the name Clark and become Glen Iain Clark Oldham, that being his mother’s maiden name; and a further strengthening of his Scottish identity. Glen went to school and then Sixth Form College in Hyde and it was his ambition to become a vet. However, A Level sciences proved tough going and he set his sights on joining the police. Karate was his main leisure interest at this time, attending weekly classes with his brother Steve – although by now he had also discovered real ale and their Friday night sessions often involved more beer than karate. Glen did however go on to achieve ‘brown belt’ status. Glen applied to join Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Strathclyde police forces. GMP didn’t even consider his application as he was under 21, but an Inspector who conducted a home visit on behalf of Lancashire wrote, “I was impressed by the candidate and would have accepted him on my relief willingly. I would consider that this applicant is one lost by GMP but gained by Lancashire”. How right he was. Glen was appointed to Lancashire Constabulary in 1986 and after ‘Passing Out’ at Bruche he was posted to Morecambe where he started his distinguished 24-year career in Northern Division. Distinguished – for example his promotions and being awarded both a Divisional Commanders and Chief Constables commendation for his work as a detective. I’ve noted a comment on an appraisal of his from 1992, which many here will find hard to comprehend. Glen wrote, “I wish to learn as much as possible and increase my knowledge in specialised areas such as HGV’s and Tachographs”. He had clearly lost his way! In 1990 Glen met Audrey, who at that time was a Communications Operator at Lancaster. Their relationship blossomed and as we all know, they became partners, best friends and soul mates for each other. A real defining moment in Glen’s life came in May 1995 when he was knocked off his motorbike in Grasmere on a day out. He was seriously injured, suffering a broken arm and leg; he was in hospital for a month and off work for 8 months. This not only ended his Traffic and Armed Response career and moved him into the direction of CID, but it also seemed to change his whole outlook on life, recognising how lucky he had been to survive the accident. He put his heart and soul into everything he did; and wanted to try so many different experiences in living life to the full with Audrey. Glen and Audrey married quite privately at Callander Registry Office in July 1997 whilst on holiday in Scotland. And holidays became a focus of their life – travelling to Australia, Kuala Lumpur, Florida, Colorado, New York, Venice, Rome, Paris, Sweden, Ireland – and including an unplanned stay in Kansas after their plane was re-routed as they left New York on the 9/11. Another lucky escape? They also visited all corners of Britain, particularly of course Scotland, with itineraries largely determined by the Good Beer Guide. But holidaying with Glen was no ordinary experience, as his planning, research and preparation was meticulous. He would draw up detailed itineraries, research all the places to be visited and have all the right maps. He could be in a city as a stranger but if someone happened to ask him for directions, he’d pull out his map, show them the way and know exactly what he was talking about. Now those who’ve had the pleasure to work with him will recognise these traits – as any task he was given he would research and prepare meticulously, with great pride, to ensure he gave of his best and didn’t let anyone down. His leisure pursuits, too, he threw himself into – karate; bass guitar; rugby; circuit training; motorbiking; sailing; canoeing; theatre; opera; Scottish music; concerts; astronomy; Manchester City; cricket; cycling; walking; and not to forget of course the legendary ‘camper van’. Glen applied the same enthusiastic approach, doing all the research – and he just had to have all the gear. He loved the kit and gadgets, so whichever pursuit was his current interest, he would have to have all the right and the best gear. He appreciated nice things. Nothing became a surprise to Audrey in terms of what might arrive by parcel post – bits of bikes; a telescope; a signed American ice hockey stick; and only recently, a set of bagpipes. He hated being under-prepared. Regular friendly games of cricket are held between the Lancaster and Fleetwood ends of the division. To ensure he was ready for the fray, Glen made sure to get some practice in. Even though this involved getting Audrey and her parents to play cricket with him on the grounds of Bamburgh Castle on holiday, it didn’t matter. It was the week before the grudge match at Guys Court and he needed to be ready for it. And when it came to the game itself he was immaculately turned out in pristine full whites – he couldn’t play all that well but he looked like a pro! There are so many memories to mention – and you will all have your own personal ones – and I hope we can share more of these later today in celebrating Glen’s life. He was indeed a very special man, who in his own way touched every single one of us. Today will inevitably be one of sadness, but we must try not to be sad and think to the future. Glen often told Audrey that his life was perfect; and we can take great comfort from that, knowing that, whilst it seems so unfair that he has been taken from us, he was so happy and fulfilled. I know that Glen’s memory will inspire me every single day, to try and follow his example in so many things… Glen’s own sentiments today are embodied in this poem… Grieve not for me Nor mourn the while, For happier would I be To see you smile. Let no tears fall Since I have passed away But miss me and Remember me each day. Live your lives As I would want you to, And treat your fellowman As I would do. And when the time has come, Your lives be through, I shall be waiting here For each of you.