First of all, I must say that we are very sorry that Lyn, Adam and I are not able to be with you today, but as many of you will know we are in the midst of moving house and there is a lot needing to be done. Actually it is a pity that you could not all be with us in Suffolk as they say that many hands make light work, if everyone carried about three boxes and a piece of furniture we could be moved in an hour or two.

Seriously, in my role as elder brother to Stuart, I believe that it is my responsibility to give a few words of advice as he as Annelise start out on married life together. However I have this feeling that whatever I say may be like water of a ducks back as I do not recall that Stuart was ever particularly receptive to advice given but preferred to make up his own mind and then live with the consequences of those decisions.

So what then can I say? Bearing in mind I am 500 miles away, I guess I can say absolutely anything I want to but in present company perhaps I should be a little more discrete.

Those of you who were in London for The wedding will have heard various people comment on the specific skills Stuart has, one of which is the ability to look at any manufactured item and separate from it the components which the manufacturer did not require to put in as they appear to serve no useful function at all. Many items such as clocks were given this treatment over the years.

Another of Stuart's skills is one which has recently had national press publicity surrounding the launch of a certain German motor car and its ability to steer around live animals on the road. Many years before the Mercedes A Class failed it's famous "Moose Test" Stuart was putting his beloved Maestro through a similar test in Fife recreating the test using a live deer. For those who do not know, the car failed the test the deer was not impressed but the owner of the scrapyard was asking if he was going to extend his testing to other makes of car.

I suppose that I should also make some comment about Stuart's reputation as a ladies man, always have a string of glamourous young things hanging on his every word and wanting to be part of his life. The comment I make on this subject is very simple and forms a major part of every library  "Fiction".

You do of course expect me to be honest in my appraisal and not to elaborate or embellish any stories I may have come across for the sake of your entertainment and Stuart's embarrassment tonight. I must assure you that l have been totally honest in what has been researched and my word on that is as good as the Presidents!!

I am sure that by now, you are all wanting the talking to stop and the party to restart so I will finish up in a traditional way by saying that on behalf of us all, either at the party or elsewhere this evening, we wish to assure Stuart and Annelise of our best wishes for their married life together which we hope will be long, happy and prosperous and blessed with all the good things in life. (Including lots of children!!!)