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The Reverend Kate Bottley a Church of England priest in North Nottinghamshire:

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I鈥檓 from a family that likes to find any excuse for a party. My Uncle David鈥檚 family parties are the stuff of legend. Summer barbecues, Christmas drinks and Bonfire night, good food, a fabulous bar and silly games. And Uncle David at the helm co-ordinating the proceedings. My Auntie June would always half tell him off for spending too much on lights for the front garden, being over generous with the measures or buying fireworks that were too loud. But nothing seemed to make him happier than making other people happy. I always knew that if Uncle David was in charge of the party it鈥檇 be the best one ever, well until the next time at least.

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Not so long ago and about this time of year my lovely Uncle got very ill and he knew that the time was coming for him to throw one last party, a party that he鈥檇 foot the bill for but wouldn't be able to attend. And in true Uncle David style it was a brilliant do, tears and laughter, the chinking of glasses, far too much food and talk of 鈥榟e would have loved this鈥�. We carried his coffin out to 鈥楢lways look on the bright side of life鈥�.

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Perhaps you had a party of your own this weekend with a whisper of death in the proceedings. But for me and for many Christians it's today that鈥檚 the real party, the feast of All Hallows' or All Saints Day, when we remember those amazing people that have taught, guided and lead us through life, setting examples of generous and godly living. And while no one is perfect, we remember those who through their own lives have helped to make us more joyful people. On all saints day I light a candle for those I love but see no longer and remember them not just with tears of sadness but with tears of laughter too, and with a sure and certain hope that they dwell in a place of light and love..

So for your loved ones and for my darling Uncle David, I chose to celebrate听 life, believing that he's in a place of no more pain, only peace and a party to beat all parties.