Sir,

Tenby has lost something of great value.

Geoffrey Rees, verger at St. Mary's Church, has died. Suddenly. Sadly.

The church is not quite the same; it's hard to believe he's no longer with us.

I wasn't lucky enough to know Geoff in any other sphere than carrying out his duties at St. Mary's. But if his social and family lives were half as blessed as the congregation at Tenby's parish church, then Geoffrey must be sorely missed.

Some people will equate vergers with the seedy chap who did the same job in Dad's Army on the telly. Geoff could not have been more different. The polar opposite, in fact. He exuded competence, dedication and integrity.

Geoff's mission was to make sure that St. Mary's was run efficiently and well. This entailed many hours of attendance. Countless hours of hard work. Regularly.

St. Mary's is the biggest and probably the most beautiful parish church in South Wales. Geoff made sure that it lived up to that long-established reputation. He is, quite simply, irreplaceable.

He was a perfect gentleman. Yet he was dedicated enough to say in clear terms if something happened or changes were made which didn't quite suit the traditions of the ancient church. Different clergy over the years deeply respected his wise views.

Geoff was an individual - a one-off. The vicar, Rev. Michael John, said: "Everyone will have a different story to tell about Geoffrey."

In other words, we are not talking about a boring, grey church official. We are remembering a superb verger who made the church a warm and welcoming place. Totally trustworthy, hugely reliable, a safe pair of hands.

You hear it time and again now. "He was a lovely man."

Flowers have been placed on Geoff's regular chair at St. Mary's. It's not enough, but it will do. It reminds us that Geoff not being in that chair is awful. Yet we know he's in heaven now, probably doing a similar job - as well as ever. Goodbye Geoffrey. God Bless.

M. Stacey,

Crackwell Street,

Tenby.