Mervyn's name may not have often graced the pages of Hope Now's Newsletter but I know of very few times, if any, when he has not been present at our Board meetings. As far as I know he has been involved with Hope Now as long as it has existed, has been a Board member longer than anyone else and has borne the heavy burden of Chairman of the Board for most of that time.

At the beginning of this month of April, we rejoice again with the message and celebration of Easter resurrection. Just as, after a long hard winter, spring bursts and cheers the heart, so for the Christian, the darkness and cruelty of the cross is dispelled by resurrection, salvation, joy and hope.

It was summer of 1994, and I had just completed my first year of studies at Bath University.  I forget what I studied.  And that was the problem.  So, Vic Jackopson, who had known me since I was very young, offered me a job during my summer holidays.

Dear Partner in Hope,
You have no doubt seen the news that Viktor Yanukovych was victorious over Yulia Tymoshenko in the February presidential election.

Imagine you are nine years old and live in a cramped apartment in a crumbling tower block in the poorest part of the city. You long to be somewhere where you can run outside, play games, go for picnics and swim.