A REVEREND who was inspired to write his life story by the death of his wife has dedicated his tale to her name.

David Bishop, 89, worked as a rector at St Clement's Church from 1970 to 1990 after taking up military service between 1945 to 1948.

The grandfather-of-four, who lives in Headington, said he is pleased to have finally honoured his wife Elizabeth's wishes.

He said: "Two years ago my wife sadly died and she wanted me to write a book about my interesting life so I think that's what got me going and made me finally write it.

"I first met Elizabeth in Polzeath in Cornwall where I started a beach mission and she proceeded to spill a tin of red paint all down the bannisters of the staircase, which certainly drew my attention to her.

"It was not "love at first sight" but I was more and more drawn to her and decided to propose."

Rev. Bishop said his love for Elizabeth was confirmed after the two wrote a letter to each other at the same time, both quoting Psalm 34.3 at the end: "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together."

The father-of-two said he was pleased with the finished book entitled 'A Journey of a Lifetime' because it gave readers a valuable insight into the life of the church.

He said: "The book covers a lot of social issues in Oxford during the time I worked as rector and highlights that running a church is a bit like running a business.

"You've got to deal with a lot of different people and help them through difficult situations.

"It also shows how the city has changed from the times of the swinging sixties into what it is now: more liberal."

Rev. Bishop was first ordained deacon in Rochester Cathedral by Bishop Chavasse in the 1950s and subsequently took his work to Uganda.

He said: "It was a very memorable journey as there was an opportunity for passengers to leave the ship and climb the Sphinx or the Pyramids, it really was quite something.

"I've always been a big fan of travelling so after I retired in 1990, I went to Zimbabwe before going onto Australia, Hong Kong and England.

"It's been a wonderful life so far and I've learnt a lot."

To buy a copy of Mr Bishops book visit St Andrew's bookshop in St Clement's.