Family celebrates triple achievement - thanks to friends

They were celebrating triple success.

The Rev Olivia Werrett, a curate, has gained a 2.1 degree in Religious Education Studies from the University of Brighton.

Her daughter Esther has gained a 2.1 degree in Theology and History from the University of Oxford, Brookes.

Her son Sam has gained a Gold Medal in Seoul in the Korean National Judo Championships.

Two Honours degrees and a Gold Medal have brought happiness and achievement to a home which has seen its share of sadness.

Deacon Olivia's husband Stephen, a long-serving chorister at St Peter's, died in the church three years ago.

The party evening was Deacon Olivia's way of saying thank you for the love and support she has received.

Two years of study involving going to Brighton one day a week were preceded by seven years of study with the University of Chichester for her Diploma.

Making a presentation to her from her friends, her fellow Curate, the Rev Daniel Smith, said a degree conferred three things - knowledge, prestige and the satisfaction of having achieved something very difficult.

Deacon Olivia told the assembly: "I honestly don't think I could have done this without everyone of you here and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Writing in the parish magazine, she says the current situation does not seem possible after the events of the past three years.

"Thank you to all of you; for your love, prayers and practical support; for your prodding, cajoling and sometimes jet-propelling encouragement.

"Where would we have been without you? I really don't know."