Mr. F. W. S. Chaudy (Deputy Chief Officer at The Village) addressing those present remarked that a great deal could be said on this occasion and it would still be inadequate. He had known Col. and Mrs. Atkins for about fourteen years, since they first met at Watts School. Mr. Chaundy said how impressed he had been with Col. and Mrs. Atkins's humility, and the Colonel's ability to lay down the law very firmly but modestly. Col. and Mrs. Atkins had been at The Village for thirteen years and during that time have been able to meet many different demands for child care, and they have unceasingly sought to make the cottages homes where children can live happy and full lives and grow up with high standards and Christian faith.

Summing up, Mr. Chaundy congratulated Col. and Mrs. Atkins, thanking them for their fine efforts and achievements for The Village, its children and staff. He concluded by wishing them both a very happy life in the West Country with time to relax.

Col. H. W. Dean told of his forty-five years association with Col. Atkins and the fact that he and Mrs. Dean followed Col. and Mrs. Atkins as Chief Officers at The Garden City, took over from them at Watts School and then returned to become neighbours again at The Garden City. He stressed Col. Atkins's popularity in the Regiment amongst both officers and men and was quite certain that this was part of their realisation of the Colonel's consideration for other people. Col. Dean concluded by expressing his thanks to Col. and Mrs. Atkins for a job very well done.

Lt. Gen. Sir Arthur Smith said how sorry the Chairman of Council, Sir Alfred Owen, was that he was unable to be present on this occasion; Sir Arthur hoped that Col. and Mrs. Atkins would look back with happy memories even though in one sense this was a sad occasion. He paid tribute to our gratitude for Col. and Mrs. Atkins's splendid work for the Barnardo cause, saying that not only the Barnardo family but other friends and representatives of the Home Office were present and that this showed how closely they have worked together in efforts being made by the Government in the field of  child care.

Sir Arthur thanked Col. and Mrs. Atkins for all their work and asked Miss G. M. Fisher to make the presentation of gifts. Miss Fisher presented an album containing names of all Barnardo friends of Col. and Mrs. Atkins as a token of the esteem and affection in which they are held. Miss F. M. Toates presented a motor mower, and a Hoover cleaner was presented by the Nursery Nurses. Col. and Mrs. Atkins also received a china cabinet from Miss C. Markham and the Housemasters.

Finally Sir Arthur Smith presented Col. and Mrs. Atkins with a cheque remarking, amid laughter, that this was the balance of the gift. Col. Atkins replying on behalf of Mrs. Atkins and himself said that it was not easy to find words to thank those present for their wonderful presents. It is given to few married people to live their lives anew, he said, and at the end of one career to find another which has brought complete happiness and satisfaction. He brought to mind the host of friends at Stepney Headquarters who have always been ready to lend help, and also his long association with Sir Arthur Smith who "drilled me on the square at Sandhurst forty-four years ago." The Colonel paid tribute to the fine work done by all of his deputies at The Village remarking that their task was by no means an easy one, and thanking them for their unfailing support. He stressed that the work of Miss Markham and her staff has helped the children to gain a feeling of security by knowing that someone of their very own exists and is close at hand. Col. Atkins concluded by thanking his staff for their courage, gaiety, and loyal support and expressed the wish that they would give his successors the same measure of support.

Sir Arthur Smith thanked Col. and Mrs. Atkins for their remarks and also for their Christian leadership and service, and those present stood and gave them three cheers.

June 64 Barnardo News.

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